The Arbolitos Project

The project's region has a temperate subhumid climate with an average annual temperature of between 53 and 64ºF (12 and 18°C). The temperature of the coldest month fluctuates between 27 and 64ºF (-3 and 18°C) and that of the hottest month rises up to 80ºF (27°C). The total annual precipitation ranges from 28 to 59 in (700 to 1500 mm), with summer rains with a P/T index greater than 55 and a percentage of winter rain from 5 to 10% of the annual total. It is part of the hydrological region 27 (Tuxpan-Nautla River with 8,375 square miles -21,692 km2-) and basin B (Tecolutla River with 3,017 square miles -7,813 km2-).

The wild fauna is composed of mammals such as the shrew, mouse, gopher, tree squirrel, cacomistle, badger, raccoon, wild cat and armadillo; by reptiles such as the lizard and the rattlesnake, as well as birds such as the yellow-headed parrot, sparrow, hummingbird, dwarf hummingbird, calandria, chipping sparrow, hook-billed, vireo, climbing woodpecker, mountain nuthatch, empidonax, mockingbird, and spotted cuitlacoche.

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The forest vegetation of the region is classified into three ecosystems: temperate-cold, tropical and semi-arid. The predominant ecosystem of the area of ​​interest is temperate-cold and the types of vegetation are fir, pine, pine-oak, oak-pine, juniper and other conifers, as well as oak forest.

Based on the biotic and abiotic characteristics, the restoration and reconversion of rural lands to forest, the project will consider, in the first place, the native species that are established naturally so as not to alter the continuity of the fauna that feeds in this zone.

Likewise, the following species will be considered:

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Plant species for conservation and restoration use:

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• Mexican hawthorn (Tejocote, crataegus pubecens): Tree that generates shelter in its crown and provides food for some species of birds and small mammals.

• Common rush (Zacaton or Juncus effusus L.): Not very tall scrub considered for wildlife protection, in addition to providing protection to the soil from water and wind erosion, and favoring reforestation by functioning as a nursing plant.

• Broom (Bacharis sp): Tall shrub whose main function is to protect wildlife. Due to its size, it is ideal for bird nests in its branches, as well as to protect larger land animals, in addition to its protective function for forest species against inclement weather.

• Lang Oak (Encino, quercuss sp): Large tree species, mostly resistant to poor lands, used for soil restoration, protection of fauna and, if required, for the use of wood.

• Ailite (Alnus acuminata): Large shrub that offers protection to wildlife and recovery of poor soils.

Plant species for timber use:

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• Patula pine (Pinus patula): Native species that has a rapid growth, which makes it a candidate for reforestation, as well as being one of the most profitable species in the northern highlands region of the state of Puebla.

• Ayacahuite pine (Pinus ayacahuite): Species considered for soil restoration in addition to being used for timber harvest in adulthood.

• White cedar (Cupresus lindleyi): Tree whose wood is not of abundant used but possessing large production potential.

Plant species for non-timber use:

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• Montezuma pine (Ocote, pinus leiophyla or Pinus montezumae): This species can be used for timber and non-timber production, extracting its resin, in addition to being considered native to the area.

• Pinus teocote (Ocote negro, pinus teocote): Species considered for non-timber production in addition to restoring poorly vegetated soils and to support habitat conservation.