Free Tree Society’s work begins with a simple but important idea: environmental action becomes more lasting when people feel connected to the natural world around them. Supported by Yayasan Sime Darby, the Bangsar Nursery and On-The-Go programmes help turn environmental awareness into everyday action through hands-on learning, plant distribution, and community outreach in urban spaces.
This work responds to a growing disconnect between city communities and nature. Through activities such as planting, nursery care, and environmental workshops, participants are introduced to sustainability in ways that feel direct, accessible, and relevant to daily life. For many students and community members, these early experiences can be the first step towards greener habits and a stronger sense of responsibility for the environment.
The approach is especially important in underserved urban schools and B40 communities, where access to environmental learning is often limited. YSD’s support has enabled Free Tree Society to strengthen its Bangsar Nursery stewardship workshops and keep its On-The-Go mobile unit active, extending outreach to more schools and communities. As of March 2026, the partnership has supported the training of 6,316 Environmental Stewards, the distribution of 27,585 trees with a tracked survival rate of 94 per cent, and outreach to 29,280 individuals through 648 On-The-Go sessions.
As Baida Hercules, Executive Director of Free Tree Society, noted, the organisation’s mission goes beyond distributing plants. It is about rebuilding a stronger relationship between people and nature and encouraging a wider shift from environmental awareness to active stewardship. Looking ahead, the hope is to see more schools, neighbourhoods, and communities take ownership of greener spaces and embed environmental care more firmly into everyday culture.
