The Maya Forest Garden

Seven Maya farmers pose for cameraMaya farmers of the El Pilar Forest Garden Network

Despite encroaching industrial farming, Maya "forest gardeners" practice centuries-old techniques. These methods help researchers understand how the ancient Maya were able to feed a large population over 1,500 years. And, they offer a paradigm of for future conservation of the forest and sustainable agriculture.

Vegetation at the demonstration garden site
The Maya Forest Garden at El Pilar, showcasing the biodiversity of the Maya Forest and plants used by the Maya. BRASS/El Pilar Project.

Long-range view over the top of the forest canopy
The View of the Maya forest from El Pilar.
Photo by Macduff Everton

The practice is called "milpa," a 20-year cycle of forest to garden plot to forest (learn more about the milpa cycle).

At El Pilar forest gardeners in the community maintain a demonstration garden amid the archaeological treasures through the the El Pilar Forest Garden Network.

The core enterprise of the forest gardeners, however, is on their own land. Collectively, they manage and cultivate more than 1,000 acres with over 370 different plants, including all the dominant species of the Maya forest.