August 2023

24 August 2023: Nature Trail for Vishwajyot International School

We had the privilege of organizing an enthralling nature trail as part of our Naturexplore initiative for Vishwajyot International School at Taloja hills, Kharghar. The event was attended by 84 enthusiastic students, along with three committed teachers and two chaperones who fully embraced the experience. Guiding this voyage of discovery were four volunteers and two program officers from our team.

14th August 2023: Monsoon Flora Walk at Ambivli Biodiversity Park

Our Monsoon Flora Walk in the park, joined by five enthusiastic participants, proved a lively exploration despite the rain-soaked trails. We discovered a diverse collection of 9-10 monsoon flora species, observed a vibrant ecosystem with birds, butterflies, and insects, and were surprised by a rare Buff Striped Keelback Snake sighting.

6th August 2023: Monsoon Flora Walk at Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Monsoon Flora walk at Sanjay Gandhi National Park was led by Dr. V. Shubhalaxmi. An enthusiastic group of 19 participants, including 2 curious kids, embarked on a journey of discovery. Together, we spotted a magnificent array of 14 unique species of Monsoon Flora. The trail also led us to the fascinating world of mushrooms, where the trail participants encountered 3-4 different types.

July 2023

23rd July, 2023: Scales & Slithers: Unveiling the wonders of herpetofauna in SGNP (Mulund)

An enthralling trail unfolded, led by the esteemed Mr. Ved More, to delve into the captivating world of reptiles and amphibians. At SGNP (Sanjay Gandhi National Park), participants were treated to a diverse array of herpetofauna sightings. The Indian scorpion, Indian giant Forest scorpion, juvenile Checkered keelback, 2 line supple skink, 5 line supple skink, and Indian toad were among the fascinating creatures spotted during this enriching experience. The journey was truly unforgettable!

16th July 2023: Insect Saunter at Ambivli Biodiversity Park

Amidst the refreshing monsoon rain, we embarked on a captivating journey through the Ambivli Biodiversity Park, guided by the esteemed Dr. Amol Patwardhan. We encountered a stunning array of small creatures - from bugs and beetles to butterflies and dragonflies. Over 15 species graced the participants with their presence, showcasing the incredible diversity of wildlife that thrives within the park. The lush green beauty of Ambivli Biodiversity Park in the monsoon season was truly enchanting. We are thankful to everyone who joined us on this magical walk. Your enthusiasm and curiosity added to the joy of exploring the tiny yet fascinating world of small creatures.

12th July 2023: Deweeding and Mulching Activity at Ambivli Biodiversity Park

We conducted a volunteer activity for DCB Bank official at our Ambivli Biodiversity Park. 30 employees attended the event. They helped in dewweding amd mulching activity at the park. They were also given information about the park's flora and fauna.

9th July: Monsoon Flora Saunter at Taloja Hill

As the monsoon season blessed the land, we embarked on an enchanting journey through the Taloja Hill Forest, to discover its hidden treasures and embrace the lush greenery that surrounds us. The Monsoon Flora Saunter allowed us to witness the incredible diversity of plant life that thrives in this ecological haven. From the towering Giant Milkweed to the graceful Peepal tree, each species captured our hearts with its unique charm. Amidst the verdant landscape, we encountered the delicate beauty of the Plain Tiger Butterfly, gracefully fluttering amidst the foliage. The adorable Pumpkin Beetle added to the magical ambiance of the trail. The Monsoon Flora Saunter was nothing short of a magical experience, as we immersed ourselves in the sights and sounds of nature's symphony.

2nd July: Plantation drive at SGNP

On the occasion of Van Mahotsav, we organized a successful plantation drive for DCB Bank employees at Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mulund. Eleven enthusiastic volunteers actively participated in the event, collectively planting 30 saplings of diverse tree species. Their dedicated efforts contribute to the conservation of our natural heritage and the promotion of a greener future. We commend their commitment and express our gratitude for their invaluable support. Together, let's continue nurturing our planet and creating a sustainable environment.

2nd July: Plantation drive at Ambivli Biodiversity Park

On the occasion of Van Mahotsav, a celebration of trees and forests, we conducted a successful plantation drive program at Ambivli Biodiversity Park. Three enthusiastic volunteers actively participated in this meaningful initiative, dedicating their time and energy towards planting 30 saplings in our butterfly garden. Their contribution not only adds to the green cover of the park but also enhances its ecological value, providing a nurturing environment for various species of butterflies. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to these volunteers for their valuable support. Together, we take a step closer towards a greener and healthier planet.

May 2023

27th May: Nature Trail at Ambivli biodiversity park

We conducted a volunteer activity for DCB Bank official at our Ambivli Biodiversity Park. 22 employees attended the event. They helped in making seed balls, sapling bags and painted the pathway's stone edge line in the Astral garden with whitewash. They were also given information about the park's flora and fauna.

22nd May: Nature Trail at Ambivli biodiversity park

On the occasion of International Day for Biodiversity, we were honoured to welcome officials from the Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporation (KDMC) to our Ambivali Biodiversity Park! Sixty individuals, including KDMC officials and enthusiastic volunteers attended the event. Volunteers enjoyed a nature trail and an engaging Wildlife Bingo game, celebrating and protecting the diversity of our ecosystem. This interactive activity adds a fun element to the exploration, allowing the audience to learn while having an enjoyable experience.

14th May: Sapling bag making at Taloja Hills, Kharghar

We conducted a volunteering event to Rebuild Taloja Hills ( Volunteer event for sapling bag making). Four volunteers participated in the event and assisted us with the sapling bag-making activity. They prepared 86 sapling bags, including 13 fever nut bags, 15 wild okra bags, 15 jamun bags, 25 wild banana bags, 11 soccer ball plant seed bags, and 7 pongam wild plant seeds.

14th May: Sapling bag making at SGNP, Mulund

We conducted a volunteering event of Sapling bag making at SGNP, Mulund. Seven volunteers participated in the event and assisted us with the sapling bag-making activity. Together, we made 106 sapling bags of the previously collected Combretum seeds.

13th May: Clean-up drive and sapling bag making at SGNP, Mulund

We organized an employee volunteer program for the DCB Bank Clean-up Drive and Sapling bag-making event held at SGNP, Mulund. A total of 54 enthusiastic DCB Bank employees took part in this inspiring event. Together, we collected a total of 81 kg of waste and also prepared 250 sapling bags, including 10 Gunj, 84 Touch Me Not, 96 Flame of the Forest, 38 Monkey Biscuit, and 22 Pongam bags.

7th May: Clean-up drive at SGNP, Mulund

We conducted a volunteering event of Clean-up Drive at SGNP, Mulund. A total of 8 enthusiastic individuals took part in this inspiring event. Together, they showed incredible dedication and determination as they scoured the area, picking up waste and restoring the serenity of SGNP.Total 81.3 kilograms of waste collected by the volunteers.

7th May: Seed collection drive at Taloja Hills, Kharghar

We conducted a volunteering event to Rebuild Taloja Hills (Volunteer event for seed collection). Seven volunteers participated in the event and helped us with the seed collection activity. A total of 4 wild plant seeds were collected, including Karvanada, Wild Okra, Red silk cotton tree, and Arjuna. The volunteer event lead by our Naturalist, Ms. Meenakshi Paul.

April 2023

16th April: Nature Trail at Taloja Hills, Kharghar

We had planned a volunteer activity, but unfortunately it got cancelled. Nevertheless, we decided to make the most of the day by organizing a nature walk in the beautiful Taloja hill forest. A group of 8 volunteers joined us for the trail, which was expertly guided by Supriya Maurya. During the walk, the volunteers were provided with a comprehensive overview of the region's ecology and biodiversity

9th April: Build Check Dam at Taloja Hills, Kharghar

We conducted a volunteering event to Rebuild Taloja Hills (Volunteer event for constructing check dam). Five volunteers participated in the event and helped us in constructing the stone check dam. The volunteers worked hard to collect stones and build check dams. In just two hours, they were managed to build four check dams.

2nd April: Path repair at Taloja Hills, Kharghar

We conducted a Rebuilding of Taloja Hill (Volunteering event for Pathway repair) at Taloja hills Kharghar. Eleven volunteers participated in the event and helped us in patching the uneven path. Participants took up the challenge from collecting stones to line up or even the pathway on certain elevation, they helped each other and enjoyed this event.

March 2023

24th March: Release of Taloja Field Guide at BNHS

After the fruitful completion of the Taloja Hill Forest Restoration Project (2020-2023), we created a pocket field guide to Taloja Hill Forest, which was released at BNHS Hornbill House by renowned conservationist Mr. Bittu Sahgal sir. Mr. Bittu Sahgal is the founder of Sanctuary Nature Conservation. The heart warming speech by Bittu sir. With the project's successful debut, Taloja Hill's rehabilitation, and the public's increased knowledge of the location, our goal was achieved. "For making of curd we need culture, the culture is now made by iNaturewatch, each can now make their own curd," remarked a Mr. Bittu sir hinting at the resource guide. A motley of BNHS members, iNaturewatch volunteers and well wishers attended the event.

3rd March: Valedictory Function

We celebrated World Wildlife Day with 20 students Naturalist Training Programme. We had a fantastic time celebrating World Wildlife Day with 20 enthusiastic Naturalist Training Programme participants, alongside Shri Sanjay Waghmode, ACF, and his colleagues from Alibaug Forest Department. These officials were kind enough to present our participants with certificates and field kits as a token of their appreciation. It was such a wonderful event, and we are grateful to Jyoti Nakarni for coordinating everything so beautifully in Hyde Park.ram participants and Alibaug Forest Department officials Shri Sanjay Waghmode, ACF, and his colleagues. They presented our participants with certificates and field kits as a sign of appreciation. Indeed, it was a lovely occasion. Jyoti Nakarni is thanked for coordinating the event in Hyde Park.

February 2023

4-26th February: Naturalist Training Programme

This program was carried out over four weeks. Each week, 20 individuals participated in a program that included two days of fieldwork and online classes. A trained guide was available in each field to teach the method to the participants. Participants were instructed on the various methods for collecting data on flora and fauna. Tree girth measurement, birdcall count, pitfall trap, baiting the bush, and the bark autograph method are a few examples. On the eve of World Wildlife Day, we convened the graduation ceremony for the Naturalist Training Programme participants. They were honoured by the forest department and the DCB Bank.

January 2023

20thJanuary: Volunteer Programme of Kitchen Waste Composting

On January 20th, we conducted an online volunteer training programme for Nature Club on composting kitchen waste. The training session is for the volunteers of KPMG; in total, 40 employees of KPMG attended the session, who will then teach it to the school students.

13thJanuary: Volunteering event at Taloja Hills

We held an Employee Volunteering Program for DCB Bank employees at Taloja Hills. Sixty-five employees participated in the programme and assisted with site clean-up, tree guard repair, and seed collection. Group 1 of 30 volunteers collected non-biodegradable materials from the site, such as plastic bottles and bags. They removed 20 gunny sacks of plastic garbage from the location. The second group of 25 participants repaired 40 tree guards. 10 participants in Group 3 collected seeds from wild plants such as silver spike cockscomb, coat button, wild lady finger, wild sesame, wild cotton, and fever nut.