The forests of Araucaria araucana in the [Lanín National Park](https://noticiasambientales.com/turismo/mejores-lugares-para-el-avistaje-de-aves-en-argentina/) (PNL) in Neuquén are growing larger thanks to the work of the **Friends of Patagonia Association (AAP)**, who, along with the park’s technical team and dozens of volunteers, have planted **over 50 thousand native trees**.
During October 17 and 18, AAP members planted about **1,200 Araucaria seedlings** in a strategic location in the forest, which is unique in the world and was severely affected by a fire in 2013. These new seedlings **add to the other 2,000 planted by the park** earlier in October, bringing the shores of [Lake Ñorquinco](https://noticiasambientales.com/compromiso-ambiental/para-restaurar-el-bosque-incendiado-de-norquinco-plantaron-mas-de-19-000-araucarias/) to a total of 3,200 new seedlings.
This planting project, part of AAP’s **We Make Forest Program** and PNL’s **Pewen Project**, is the result of collective and sustained community efforts for the **conservation and preservation** of **native forests**. This new planting effort has reached the milestone of 50 thousand native trees planted in degraded areas in both Patagonia and the rest of the country.
After the planting, the Friends of Patagonia team visited the Currumil nursery, a producer of seedlings located in Quillén, which is one of the nurseries producing native trees and plants in the region to recover and protect **biodiversity**. Finally, the NGO celebrated its 25th anniversary in San Martín de los Andes with special guests.
## **The AAP Anniversary Celebration**
The shores of **Lake Logo** were chosen by the Friends of Patagonia Association to celebrate its 25th anniversary with an event that brought together its community to commemorate the association’s achievements in the place where it originated.
Throughout its history, the association has trained over **60 thousand local residents and leaders**, in addition to planting **over 50 thousand trees** and mobilizing hundreds of volunteers, companies, and municipalities to work together in promoting projects related to **education**, **reforestation**, and **sustainability**.
The celebration was attended by the family of founder **Cristian Graf**, **Vivian Vignaro**, a pioneer in environmental education; the renowned local artist **Iván Moricz Karl**, who illustrated the organization’s logo, **Mario Gómez**, a founding member, and guests from **FM Del Lago**. Live music was provided by the **Andes School Orchestra**, a breeding ground for local musicians and firefighters.
