"The school visits after the flood included lessons on the importance of the preservation of our forests for the future," wrote Estela. "We demonstrated the importance of the trees to prevent soil erosion."

• First we made a pile of flour on a platform.
• Then we sprinkled water onto the pile to represent rain. The pile broke down.
• Next we made a pile of flour but put a small “tree” on the pile. This time when we sprinkled water the pile stayed.

This simple demonstration showed the students that conservation of forests can prevent erosion and mud slides.