Wild Life & Environment
Subgroup:

The Wildlife & Environment Subgroup incorporates trips, discussions & presentations that focus on creating an awareness and appreciation of wildlife, and various aspects of exploitation for human benefit or entertainment. The sessions also aim at a cognizance and concern for ecosystems and our natural environment.
Coordinator: Sana Khan
Co-coordinator: Aneela Khan / Saad Khan

Subgroup Programmes:

Wild Life & Environment - EXPLORING 'THE LEOPARD PRESERVATION ZONE' IN THE MARGALLAS!
Sunday, 15 October 2023
Join us for an exclusive programme : the ‘Leopard Trail’ in the Leopard Preservation Zone- a unique biodiversity spot nestled in the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP) Islamabad.
The guided tour is a rare opportunity for nature enthusiasts . Unique insights -by experts in the field -regarding leopards and their habitat !
With scenic views, serene nature and a barely touched ecosystem, this trail is located in the heart of Leopard territory, which means that there are good chances of spotting leopards, deer and other wildlife!
Since we intend to witness wildlife up close, we will be accompanied and guided by trained staff of MHNP who will tell us about their experiences with the leopards, their nature, habitat and recordings from trap cameras and about the other wildlife in the newly formed Leopard Preservation Zone. The programme will end with a projector documentary about the new trail and wildlife in MHNP.
The hike is approximately 2 Km, we suggest that you use a mosquito repellant, wear full-sleeved clothes and sturdy shoes.
Non- Members: For further information contact ASG Office: 051-2802343 Thursday- Saturday: 11 am- 2 pm

Wild Life & Environment - AN EXCITING 'NEW' TRAIL THROUGH MARGALLA HILLS!
Sunday, 9 April 2023
Exciting News...Exciting News...Exciting News!
Join us for a guided tour cum hike to Ridge Trail that is yet to be inaugurated !
Escorted by the Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP) staff, we will discover and be informed about the variety of tree species and old 'bunds' , fossils, view points and historical names of places etc. that you would not even be aware of as an ordinary trekker!
It's an easy to moderate hike. We will start the hike around 04:00 pm and complete a two hours loop just before the sunset to break the fast.
Since this is during Ramzan/ Ramadan everyone is invited to join, and bring along refreshments to enjoy the sunset & share at 'Iftari' time!
About the trail: This trail is the most picturesque part of the hills that falls completely within Margallah Hills National Park. Access is from Talhar Mor on the way up on Pir Sohava Road. The Trail exits at Kot Janan from where there is a road (metalled) leading down from MHNP and out to Sinyiari village and from there connecting to main Margallah Road. Talhar Mor to Kot Janan takes approximately 10 km long, zig-zag.

Wild Life & Environment - PLANTING SEEDS OF SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE
Sunday, 12 March 2023
Celebrating Spring-planting trees is planting hope !
Join us for a memorable trip to an unconventional orphanage education facility in Pakistan. Located in the Murree hills, the facility aims at providing better educational environment and residential facilities to orphans supported by generous contributions.
With the notion to give back to the nature, we have planned a plantation drive with the beautiful souls at the facility, followed by a poster competition and visit of the facility.
It will be an unforgettable experience, do join us to learn more and contribute through your participation,... by making a change for those who really matter!
Please note: This is a self- Drive trip approximatly 100 mts. drive to the location. Bring refreshments!

Wild Life & Environment - CELEBRATING NATURE !
Sunday, 13 November 2022
Autumn in Islamabad...early in the morning, energized by bird song, shrouded by the changing colours...moments to cherish!
We invite you to join us in a relaxing outdoors meditation session followed by nature walk onTrail-5.
'Feel the earth beneath your bare sole,
nourish thy self in nature’s fold;
take comfort in the soft green grass,
that delights in your joyous steps;
a moment to behold nature’s wonder,
a reprieve from life’s crazy meander;
for in these seemingly little things,
lies life’s illusive treasures'.
-Mo Irom

Wild Life & Environment -EXPLORING 'THE LEOPARD PRESERVATION ZONE' IN THE MARGALLAS!
Sunday, 30 October 2022
Join us for an exclusive programme- specially organised for the ASG- through the newly opened ‘Leopard Trail’ in the Leopard Preservation Zone, Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP) Islamabad.
With scenic views, serene nature and a barely touched ecosystem, this trail is located in the heart of Leopard territory, which means that there are good chances of spotting leopards, deer and other wildlife!
Since we intend to witness wildlife up close, we will be accompanied and guided by trained staff of MHNP who will tell us about their experiences with the leopards, their nature, habitat and recordings from trap cameras and about the other wildlife in the newly formed Leopard Preservation Zone. The programme will end with a projector documentary about the new trail and wildlife in MHNP.
The hike is approximately 2 Km, we suggest that you use a mosquito repellant, wear full-sleeved clothes and sturdy shoes. Bring refreshments!
The guided tour is a rare opportunity for nature enthusiasts for unique insights -by experts in the field -regarding leopards and their habitat!

Wild Life & Environment - BIODIVERSITY, NATURE & A TOUCH OF YOGA!
Sunday, 13 March 2022
A hike like never before...let us speak the language of 'nature'. This is an oppportunity for you to understand, appreciate and learn to observe its intricacies... with a pinch of learning, a bit of exercise and a whole lot of fun!
Participants are encouraged to bring a notepad and pen / pencils. We will note down the birds, animals, plants and trees located in a particular area that we can recognize, learn about the ones we don’t know about, and understand their role in the Margalla Hills National Park.
Participants are also encouraged to take unique pictures and note down interesting observations.At the get-together after the hike, we will have a discussion and -yes- there is a photography contest too... we have a surprise gift for the winner!
And more!
We are living in a time when climate change caused by our behaviors is a threat to every being on the planet. Yoga plays an important role in relaxing and energizing our bodies.It serves as a toolkit for everyday tensions, to enable ourselves to conduct ourselves in ways that benefit others/ and the environment. To rejuvenate ourselves we invite you to join us on a small Yoga session at the end of the programme!

Wildlife & Environment -UCHHHALI WETLANDS COMPLEX:SALT RANGE
Saturday, 19 February 2022
A Day Trip
Please Note: for Foreigners NOC’s required
Seeing is believing...an opportunity not to be missed!
With World’s Wetland Day around the corner, we have arranged a very exciting and informative trip to 'Uchhali Wetlands Complex' in coordination with WWF-Pakistan !
The complex is a combination of three independent wetlands: Uchhali, Khabekki and Jahlar and is located in the Soan Valley of the Salt Range. It was declared as a 'Ramsar' site in 1996. ('Ramsar' site: A protected area/wetland site designated to be of International importance known as ' The Convention on Wetlands) .The catchment area of these lakes is 381 km2 and the water surface area of these three lakes is 12.43 km2 (1,243 ha).
The three wetlands are important wintering sites for the White-headed duck, Greylag goose and Flamingos.Human presence in recent times has unfortunately resulted in substantial areas being reclaimed for agriculture. Large areas previously under water have been drained due to drought conditions, and there has been a continuous trend in the last few years towards reduction of water in these lakes....
Trip Itinerary :
Time Activity
0700-1000: Departure from Islamabad to Wetland Information Centre (Khabekki Lake, District Khushab), WWF-Pakistan
1000-1100: Refreshments and briefing on Uchhali Wetlands Complex .
1100-1130: Birdwatching and landscape photography at Khabekki Lake
1130-1215: Travel to Uchhali Lake
1215-1245: Bird watching and landscape photography at Uchhali Lake
1245-1330: Travel back to Khabekki Lake
1330-1430: Lunch
1430-1730:Travel back to Islamabad
Please Note: Bring your own refreshments ( Lunch & Drinks)/or enjoy lunch on payment at a nearby restaurant.

Wild Life & Environment - BIODIVERSITY & NATURE
Sunday, 19 December 2021
A hike like never before!
Let us speak the language of 'nature' .This is an oppportunity for you to understand, appreciate and learn to observe its intricacies... with a pinch of learning, a bit of exercise and a whole lot of fun!
Participants are encouraged to bring a notepad and pen / pencils. We will note down the birds, animals, plants and trees located in a particular area that we can recognize, learn about the ones we don’t know about, and understand their role in the Margalla Hills National Park.
Participants are also encouraged to take unique pictures and note down interesting observations.At the get-together after the hike, we will have a discussion and -yes- there is a photography contest too... we have a surprise gift for the winner!
And more!
We are living in a time when climate change caused by our behaviors is a threat to every being on the planet. Yoga plays an important role in relaxing and energizing our bodies.It serves as a toolkit for everyday tensions, to enable ourselves to conduct ourselves in ways that benefit others/ and the environment. To rejuvenate ourselves we invite you to join us on a small Yoga session at the end of the programme!

Wild Life & Environment - APPRECIATING SMALL BUT VALIANT EFFORTS TO PRESERVE ISLAMABAD'S UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT!
Saturday, 13 November 2021
Join us on this unique and exclusive outing, where we will view a biodiversity of birds and plants, a beautiful freshwater stream and to top it all, a classic aerial view of Islamabad during our 20 minutes’ walk in the area.
Dress appropriately, bring your mats /refreshments...let us welcome the changing season and cherish Islamabad's skyline while the sun sets...!
In these haphazard times of prevailing environmental concerns and deforestation, Islamabad is facing uncontrolled and unplanned urbanization, together with landgrabbers maximizing construction area and leaving little or no green spaces.
Resident owners of the beautiful area of in C12/ Shah Allah Ditta, will share their journey in preserving the forests of the Margallah Hills for the past twenty years, their role and knowledge in quenching wildfires, their efforts in protecting the wildlife, and preserving the natural beauty of the area with the volunteer forest guards.
This is an an opportunity for us to meet, discuss, learn and appreciate the hard work and dedication by these truly concerned locals towards environmental preservation.

Wildlife & Environment-'THE PATH LESS TRAVELED'... ALEXANDER"S ROUTE & THE UNIQUE PAPRAN AND PINE FORESTS
Sunday, 31 October 2021
Please Note: Foreigners requested to check if NOC’s required
(Some parts of the area are in Haripur District of KP).
We invite you to join us on a very special nature walk along the ancient 'Alexander Route' through the scenic Margalla Hills. As we trek through the area, you will be briefed on the indigenous wildlife, local flora, history, heritage / ancient cultures, and the environmental impacts of deforestation in the region. Given the season, autumn will manifest itself in all its glory, a very special floral variety unique to the Margalla Hills National Park will be in full bloom. Birds and other forest dwellers unique to this area will be singing their songs. The indescribably beautiful fall scenery is a treat to watch!
We will travel to the base camp at Gharyala next to the Buddha Caves and from there to the Kenthla mountain top .
We will then reach the walking track at Papran De Khoe for a 120 minutes nature trek and further through the uniquely dense Papran and Pine tree forests and complete the 3 km loop in the enchanting wilderness with two water springs on the way!
As we walk along the route, we will be able to observe signs of mining in the region and fossils preserved from various geologic ages. This is also an opportunity to stop at Alexander’s well (reputedly dug by Alexander’s army) and check out the oldest mango tree- unique to this region!
On the way back, we will take a pit stop at an outdoor restaurant ‘Sadhu’s Retreat’ to relax and enjoy the delicious olive tea, if you like @ Rs. 100!
Refreshments on order,will be available at the retreat .You are encouraged to bring refreshments along with you.Don’t forget to wear sturdy walking shoes and dress appropriately keeping weather conditions in mind.