On September 12th, I visited a tree nursery together with HAF’s new sustainable agriculture program director, Souad, and tree planting expert, Yassine. The nursery was located in the mountains of Ourika.

This place was very beautiful and calm, lying in a small valley between mountains with a lot of shade. The gardeners welcomed us and immediately started showing us around. Many trees are grown here, and the whole site is supported by a large water reservoir. The water comes directly from the mountains’ glacier water and is guided by solar panels. With this system, they can irrigate all the plants in the nursery sustainably.

The gardeners also explained a special method they practice: grafting. One particular gardener is an expert in it. He takes the blossom from one tree and carefully connects it to another tree. By doing so, the two trees are joined together and the qualities of the trees are improved. It was fascinating to see this traditional knowledge being practiced so carefully.

What stayed with me was how much passion the gardeners put into their work. It was easy to feel that they truly enjoy what they are doing. After the tour, we sat down together and had tea. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly.

At the end of the visit, we drove to a viewpoint and looked out over the valley. The view of the surrounding mountains and the nursery below was beautiful. Then, we returned to the office. This visit was different to other field visits I have been on with HAF, but like all places, I felt the same strong sense of dedication and hospitality.

Zakaria Abi Ayad is currently a volunteer at the High Atlas Foundation through Austrian Service Abroad.