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Taloja Hill Stewardship Programme (Pilot) October 2026 – March 2027
Our Journey
Since 2020, iNaturewatch Foundation has been restoring the Taloja Hill Forest through ecological restoration, soil and water conservation, biodiversity enhancement and community participation.
As we enter our sixth year of restoration, the hill is showing encouraging signs of ecological recovery.
While the current restoration project supported by our funding partner concludes in March 2027, iNaturewatch Foundation is committed to continuing its association with Taloja Hill. However, sustaining the restoration achieved over the past six years cannot depend on funding support alone. It requires an active community that shares the responsibility of protecting and caring for this recovering forest.
Going forward, iNaturewatch Foundation will continue as the technical and knowledge partner, providing ecological expertise, training, monitoring protocols, educational resources and conservation guidance. The community, in turn, will become the eyes, ears, feet and hands of the hill.
To begin this transition, we are launching the Taloja Hill Stewardship Programme.
Call for Nomination
Become a Hill Steward
Do you enjoy spending time in nature?
Do you believe restored forests deserve long-term care?
Would you like to play an active role in protecting Taloja Hill?
We invite local residents, nature lovers, students, photographers, birdwatchers, trekkers and corporate volunteers to join the Taloja Hill Stewardship Programme.
Pilot Programme
Duration: October 2026 – March 2027
The six-month pilot programme will help establish a sustainable community stewardship model before the completion of the current restoration project.
The Model
The restoration landscape comprises five hills, each supported by a dedicated Hill Steward Team consisting of five members.
Hill Steward Teams
-Neem Hill Steward Team
- Shisham Hill Steward Team
- Ghost Tree Hill Steward Team
-Silk Cotton Hill Steward Team
- Morinda Hill Steward Team
Total: 25 Hill Stewards
Each team will collectively care for its assigned hill while every member takes the lead in one of the 5E Roles of Stewardship.
The 5Es of Hill Stewardship
Explore
Observe and Document
- Monitor plantation health and biodiversity.
- Observe seasonal changes.
- Inspect soil and water conservation structures.
- Record invasive species and erosion.
- Photograph permanent photo points.
Enquire
Listen and Report
- Report fires, grazing, tree cutting and encroachment.
- Report damaged infrastructure.
- Communicate observations to the caretaker and iNaturewatch.
- Follow up on reported issues.
Engage
Be Present
- Visit the hill regularly.
- Walk different sections of the hill.
- Interact with visitors.
- Promote responsible behaviour and community participation.
Enable
Support Conservation
- Participate in clean-up drives.
- Assist with invasive species removal.
- Support plantation maintenance.
- Participate in restoration and biodiversity monitoring activities.
Empower
Coordinate and Inspire
- Coordinate the Hill Steward Team.
- Organise monthly visits.
- Compile and submit the team's monthly report.
- Encourage participation and inspire others to become Hill Stewards.
Five hills
Ghost Tree Hill
Named after the Ghost Tree, locally known as Kandol, which gives the hill its distinctive character. Its wildlife corridor connects Shisham Hill with Silk Cotton Hill. The base, including the Forest Department plantation, is also an important wildlife corridor, with an old retention pond supporting water-associated birds. The hill has 2 contour trenches, 2 check dams and 2 wildlife corridors.
For Stewards: A hill with an important role in connecting habitats and supporting wildlife, particularly around the retention pond.
Neem Hill
Named after the tallest Neem tree on the hill. Neem Hill has open grassland patches extending from the upper slope towards the stream. It is the most frequently used hill by trekkers and visitors, with some litter and signs of camping. Six erosion-prone locations have been identified, including one deep gully. The hill currently has 20 contour trenches, 3 brush fills and 1 check dam.
For Stewards: A hill where visitor engagement, trail care, erosion monitoring and protection of the open grassland are particularly important.
Morinda Hill
Named for its location marking the beginning of the Morinda Hill area. Its wildlife corridor lies along the upper side of the Temple Trail and continues into the adjoining forest. The base, including the Forest Department's Shisham plantation, also contributes to connectivity with the surrounding habitat. During July 2026, 27 students participated in invasive species removal on Morinda Hill, making it one of the areas where community involvement has already begun. It has 3 contour trenches, 1 check dam and 3 wildlife corridors.
For Stewards: A good opportunity to build on existing community participation while protecting the hill's connection with the adjoining forest.
Shisham Hill
Named after the prominent and tallest Shisham trees on the hill. The upper part has an open grassland patch, while the hill supports one of the widest and most continuous wildlife corridors, connecting towards Ghost Tree Hill along the Lakeview Trail. The base near the stream and retention pond experiences waterlogging during heavy rains, and cattle grazing has also been observed. The hill has 9 contour trenches, 1 brush fill, 1 check dam and 2 wildlife corridors.
For Stewards: A key hill for wildlife connectivity, water management and monitoring grazing pressure.
White Silk Cotton Hill
Named after the tallest Silk Cotton tree on the hill. The hill forms an important link in the wildlife corridor system, with corridors running along both sides of the Lakeview Trail and connecting towards the stream and adjoining hills. Its plantation area at the base also contributes to wildlife connectivity. The hill has 1 contour trench, 1 check dam and 3 wildlife corridors.
For Stewards: A hill where maintaining habitat connectivity and protecting the green corridors will be particularly important.
programme management
Training and Support
Training and Support
Training and Support
iNaturewatch Foundation will provide:
- Orientation to Taloja Hill
- Training in restoration ecology and biodiversity
- Monitoring protocols
- Field guides and digital resources
- Reporting tools
- Ongoing technical support
Time Commitment
Training and Support
Training and Support
- One hill visit once in two weeks (approximately 2–3 hours)
- Participation in monthly stewardship activities
- Attending monthly online meeting
Recognition
Training and Support
Recognition
Each Hill Steward will receive an identity card and digital badge, while outstanding contributions will be recognised through monthly Steward of the Month —at the end of the six-month pilot. Each Hill Steward Team will also receive recognition for its particular contribution, and all participants who successfully complete the pilot will receive a Taloja Hill Stewardship Certificate.