At TeamMood, we have always believed that professional fulfillment is deeply connected to the impact we have on the world around us. This past Wednesday, January 14, our team decided to step away from our screens and head into the field for a day of hands-on volunteering. This was our second year of spending a day working alongside Arbres & Paysages d’Aude (AP11), an organization dedicated to restoring the natural balance of our local ecosystem.

Understanding Arbres & Paysages d’Aude

Arbres & Paysages d’Aude is a non-profit organization focused on promoting and planting rural trees and hedges. Their work is essential for several reasons:

• They preserve local biodiversity by creating habitats for wildlife.
• They protect agricultural land from soil erosion and harsh winds.
• They support local farmers in transitioning toward more sustainable, agroecological practices.

By reintegrating trees into the landscape, they help build environmental resilience that benefits the entire community. You can learn more about their mission and technical expertise on their website: https://www.ap11.fr.

Our Contribution: Preparing the Ground for Tomorrow

January is a peak period for planting, making the timing of our visit critical. Our role was practical and physical: we assisted in the preparation of tree and shrub bundles for upcoming planting projects.

This process involves carefully sorting and labeling various native species to create specific “kits” tailored to each farm’s needs. These prepared lots are then ready for local farmers to collect and plant immediately. It was a rewarding experience to see the logistical effort required behind the scenes to ensure that thousands of saplings find their home in the ground during the winter season.

Why This Matters to Us

For the TeamMood team, this day was about more than just fresh air. It was an opportunity to contribute to the ecological transition of our region in a tangible way. It also allowed us to strengthen our team bonds through shared effort and a common purpose, far removed from our usual digital environment. Supporting the work of Arbres & Paysages d’Aude reminds us that even small, collective actions contribute to a much larger, lasting impact. We left the site with tired muscles but a great sense of pride in knowing that the bundles we prepared today will become the forests and hedges of the future. We want to extend our sincere thanks to the team at Arbres & Paysages d’Aude for their warm welcome and for sharing their passion with us.

Header photo by Johannes Plenio