At the Maasai Heritage Center in Amboseli, Kenya, a vital new program for safeguarding Maasai culture is taking root. The Maasai community is creating a Maasai Medicinal Garden—a living landscape where ancestral medicinal knowledge and sustainable agriculture come together. Within this garden, fruit and medicinal trees will be planted to strengthen food security and create a space for healing, learning, and cultural preservation to nurture both the land and the Maasai communities who depend on it.

The Maasai are globally recognized for their profound understanding of traditional plant medicine and natural healing practices. As guardians of their environment, Maasai communities have a holistic approach to living in nature and protecting the planet. They have a deep connection with the land, and safeguarding Traditional Ecological Knowledge helps protect the critical ecosystems and biological diversity that support the livelihoods of the people, birds, and wildlife. They believe in the connection between a healthy planet and mental and physical well-being, and their goal is to strengthen a bridge between Indigenous medicinal knowledge and modern healthcare. Preserving Maasai medicinal knowledge is vital for community health and for protecting Maasai ecological wisdom.

In March 2026, Fordham University students will join the Maasai in a service-learning knowledge exchange to launch the garden together. The Maasai are excited to share their knowledge with students, visitors, and Maasai youth. This garden will honor and protect Maasai traditional medicines while creating a sacred space where these ancient practices can be documented, shared, and carried forward for future generations.

Plant Trees & Give Hope

When we plant trees, we plant hope! Planting trees is one of the most powerful ways to protect the land and livelihoods of the Maasai. Trees help keep the air and water clean, enrich the soil that sustains families and wildlife, and provides food security.

We invite you to be part of this important initiative for the Maasai—by supporting the garden, you stand with the Maasai in protecting their ancient healing knowledge, strengthening the community-based healthcare systems, and ensuring this vital wisdom of plant medicine is available and shared with future generations.

Trees and are key ingredients in 25% of all medicines around the world. The Maasai depend on the trees for food and medicine.
Have you ever taken an Aspirin? It comes from the bark of a tree!

Positive Impact of Planting Trees

Improve Health

Protect Biodiversity

Increase Food Security

Safeguard Maasai Knowledge

Preserve Indigenous Medicines

Reduce Global Warming

Empower Women

Reduce Droughts

Give Generously for our Planet’s Future

Your donation will go towards planting medicinal and fruit trees, as well as community gardens for food security and providing Maasai women with jobs to restore and protect their natural environment.

$5,000

Total cost to implement and care for 1 community garden (Name Dedication)

$5,000 donation will provide seeds and plants, install irrigation, and bring the entire garden to life. We will create a plague in the garden with your name or your loved ones at the entrance.

$2,000

Provide Water for the Garden

$2,000 donation will install a drip irrigation and sprinkler system to keep the garden thriving to provide food and medicines year-round.

$1,000

Safeguard the Sacred Plants with Fence (Name Dedication)

$1,000 donation protect medicinal plants from wildlife, goats, and cattle by funding a secure, gated garden area. We will create a pillar with a mural in your name, helping the Maasai and wildlife coexist safely and peacefully.

$500

$500 — Garden Bench (Name Dedication)

$500 donation will fund a handcrafted bench dedicated in your name, your family’s name, or in memory of a loved one—used daily for learning, reflection, and teaching.

$300

Stone Meditation & Learning Seat (Name Dedication)

$300 donation supports the Maasai to create a handcrafted stone seat dedicated to you or your loved one. This space will be used by the Maasai to study, meditate, and teach.

$150

Maasai Women Gardener’s Salary

$150 donation supports 1 month salary for Maasai women gardener, creating employment and caring for the garden.

$100

Plant a Tree (In Your Name)

A $10 donation will allow us plant one medicinal or fruit tree with a dedication plaque in your name or in honor of a loved one.

$10

One Dollar = One Tree

$10 donation pays for 10 trees to be planted.

Donate Today

Create Your Fundraiser

Raise funds with us – Create your own peer-to-peer fundraising page to support the Maasai by joining the campaign and sharing this project with your friends and community.

Start Your Own Fundraiser

Watch Video: Maasai Tree Planting Program

Photo Gallery: Maasai Tree Planting Program