Our story — Est. 1994

Rooted in Vision.
Growing Impact.

Armenia Tree Project (ATP) was founded in 1994 by activist Carolyn Mugar in response to widespread deforestation caused by the severe energy crisis that followed Armenia's independence.

What started as a response to environmental devastation has evolved into a nationwide effort to restore forests, green communities, advance environmental education, and improve livelihoods throughout Armenia.

For more than 30 years, ATP has worked alongside communities nationwide to create a greener, healthier, and more resilient Armenia.

about-founder — Carolyn Mugar · founding, 1994

TODAY —

Today, ATP is Armenia's leading and most experienced organization dedicated to tree planting, forest restoration, community greening, and environmental education.

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Landscapes, restored

Before
& After

Drag the divider to see the same site before ATP's work and after the forest returned.

After

Before

Margahovit · watershed restoration · 2015 → 2024

Where we work

Our impact, mapped across Armenia

From nurseries and forestry sites to community greening and education centers, ATP's work spans all eleven regions of Armenia. Explore the map to see where trees are being grown, planted, and cared for.

ATP's first nursery (est. 1996) and an environmental education center — 64 species, 200,000+ plants in production.
Supports Community Tree Planting with 54 species and 100,000+ plants growing on site.
Armenia's largest forestry production site — 2.5–3 million seedlings at any time.
Fruit & nut tree nursery in Chiva — 24 heritage varieties including Armenia's endemic apricot.
A community-led model for protecting Armenia's woodlands.
A newborn forest in one of Armenia's most demanding climate zones.
Long-term watershed restoration — 2015 to present.
5-hectare heritage apricot orchard beside Saint Gayane Church, overlooking Mount Ararat.
Armenia Tree Project's Yerevan headquarters.
Community green spaces along the Lake Sevan basin.

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Leadership

ATP Executive Committee

01Carolyn MugarFounder
02Tom GarabedianChairman of the BoardExpand biographyCollapse biography
Thomas Garabedian is Chair of the Board of Directors of Armenia Tree Project. A magna cum laude graduate of Bowdoin College, Tom is a retired Fellow of the Society of Actuaries who spent 34 years as a partner and consulting actuary with Hewitt Associates, where he advised organizations on financial strategy, risk management, and long-term planning.
Tom served as ATP's Executive Director from 2012–2015 and joined the Board of Directors in 2019. His unique perspective as both a former executive leader and board member, combined with his experience in financial oversight, governance, and organizational strategy, helps guide ATP's strategic planning and long-term sustainability.
Tom has held numerous leadership roles, including service on the School Committee, Zoning Board of Appeals, and as Town Moderator in Hopkinton, MA. He and his late wife, Dora, were among the founding families of the Armenian Church of the Holy Translators in Framingham, MA. Tom served for nine years as a trustee of the Armenian Church Endowment Fund and currently serves as a trustee of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America.
He resides in Naples, Florida, and Falmouth, Massachusetts, with his partner, Barbara Stakk.
03Anthony BarsamianBoard MemberExpand biographyCollapse biography
Anthony Barsamian brings decades of legal, governance, and nonprofit leadership experience to the ATP Board. As Managing Partner of Hutchings Barsamian Mandelcorn LLP, he provides expertise in business law, nonprofit governance, estate planning, and organizational strategy. As former Chairman of the Armenian Assembly of America and current member of its Board of Trustees, he brings extensive relationships across the Armenian diaspora that strengthen ATP's advocacy and partnerships. Having advised ATP since 2006 and traveled regularly to Armenia since 1987, Anthony offers deep institutional knowledge and a lifelong commitment to Armenia. His respected leadership within the Armenian diaspora make him an important ambassador for ATP's mission both in the United States and internationally.

The team

The People Behind the Impact

Behind every tree grown, landscape restored, and student inspired is a dedicated team. From foresters and nursery specialists to educators, project managers, and support staff, ATP's team turns vision into measurable environmental and community impact.