Catholic Archdiocese of Nyeri has set aside 200 acres for the establishment of nature park where people will engage with nature through nature trails, forest therapy and other experiences.
A critical milestone to the establishment of the park is October 10, 2026, when Archbishop Anthony Muheria invites priests and Christians for a historic tree-panting exercise at Hill Farm which is designated to become the Laudato Si Paradise and Butterfly Sanctuary.
A simpler definition of Laudato Si Paradise points toward praising God for the heavenly beauty of creation or striving to protect the earth so that it reflects the harmony in paradise.
“Laudato Si Paradise” is part of a bigger initiative by the Nyeri See in response to care for the environment and nature, that includes a solar plant and a green hydrogen innovation centre.
“The butterfly sanctuary, with its ethereal setting, will be a seemingly sacred space of amazing experience, that will bring healing to many, especially those needing support in mental health, fun and awe to children, while serving as an enduring ode to Pope Francis,” explained Archbishop Muheria.
The park also seeks to celebrate the late Nobel Laureate Prof Wangari Maathai who hailed from Nyeri.
Altogether, the Church targets to plant more than 300,000 tree seedlings- 60,000 within the park and a further 240,00 across 100 catholic institutions in Nyeri.
This exercise coincides with the onset of El Nino rains which the church plans to fully leverage to ensure the maximum survival and growth of these trees. The target for this season is 20,000 trees.
