Trek Relief Mongolia Update: Making a Difference Together

Program: Kiss the Earth
Location: Mongolia
Dates: August 13-24th, 2024
Trip Leader: Julia Roca
Program Managers: Sarah Nguyen & Dr. Rob Williams

One of our incredible Mongolian volunteers proudly holds up a bucket of dirt during our tree planting project in Tsetserleg. The women here are unstoppable forces of nature, embodying the resilience and dedication that drive community-led environmental stewardship. 'If you want a job done, call a Mongolian woman,' and we couldn’t agree more!

Majestic Mongolian temple standing tall in the mountains, watching over the vast, untouched steppe below. 

We are rooted in community and growing together. Proud to have joined forces with these incredible local volunteers to plant 66 trees and make a lasting impact in Mongolia

Advancing Our Mission: A Return to Mongolia

This August, we were thrilled to get back to Mongolia for our Kiss the Earth program. After a long break due to the pandemic, this trip was a perfect reminder of what Trek Relief is all about: creating positive change and building strong connections with communities through meaningful, hands-on work.

Our Impact in Mongolia

• Tree Planting: We helped Mongolia get closer to its goal of planting 1 billion trees by 2030 by adding 66 trees along a peaceful riverside in Tsetserleg. These trees are a step toward a healthier environment that will benefit the area for years to come.

• Community Cleanup: Partnering with the Local Women’s Council and the Arkhangai Council of Disabled People’s Association, we organized a cleanup that filled a truck bed with trash. It wasn’t just about cleaning up; it was about bringing the community together to take care of their beautiful landscape.

• New Partnerships: We connected with awesome organizations like FARM and Agricultural Innovations Development (AID), opening doors for future collaborations. These groups are doing incredible work to support rural Mongolian communities, and we’re excited to see how we can join forces to make an even bigger impact.

Julia and our Mongolian friend are all smiles after an unforgettable ride through the steppe, embodying the joy and connection that was felt through our journey in Mongolia.

Welcoming Trip Leader Julia Roca: Leading the Way in Mongolia

We’re also excited to share that Julia Roca, who joined us on our Nepal 2023 trip, stepped up as an incredible Trip Leader for us in Mongolia this year. Julia’s passion and leadership brought new energy to the program, and we’re so grateful to have her on board. She’s already looking ahead, with plans to create programs in exciting new locations for Trek Relief in the future.

As our visions become reality, we see the sprit of Trek Relief inspiring others to go out into the world, and make their own impact—just like Julia. It’s truly touching to have such an incredible community of people behind this journey, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us next, together.

Thanks for your continued support—together, we’re making a real difference!