These Border Collies Are Planting Seeds in Chile’s Charred Forests

Natural disasters like wildfires and hurricanes can have devastating effects on the environment that last for many years after disaster strikes. In Chile, wildfires ravaged some 1.4 million acres in early 2017. They were the worst wildfires in Chilean history, and as one would imagine, the aftermath was charred destruction. But there are three young ladies who are doing their part to help reforest these lands, but they aren’t who you might expect…

Enter Das, Olivia, and Summer, three Border Collies who have been planting seeds in these Chilean forests since March 2017. Outfitted with special backpacks filled with seeds purchased by their guardian Francisca Torres and her sister Costanza, six-year-old Das leads her two-year-old daughters on fun-filled races in the forest, planting seeds along the way.

Torres told Mother Nature Network, “They reeeeeally love [it]!! … It’s a country trip, where they can run as fast as they can and have a great time.”

For those who know Border Collies, an afternoon spent outside running to their hearts’ content is a dream come true for them! These dogs are known for their supreme intelligence, boundless energy, and eagerness to learn new things, and Torres says their training with sheep has made it so the dogs interact safely with wildlife in the forests.

After distributing seeds, the gals return to Francisca and Costanza for treats, eager to go for another run with more seeds in their packs.  The dogs can run up to 18 miles during one of these excursions, distributing more than 20 pounds of seeds.

And all these efforts are paying off, as Torres says, “We have seen many results in flora and fauna coming back to the burned forest!”

Way to go, girls! If you are as smitten with these canine environmentalists as we are, make sure you share this with your friends and family!

Image Source: Pixabay