Location: Denizgöründü Village, Çanakkale, Türkiye – Marmara Region
Duration: 2013-2017
Area: 2 hectares of private land

This pilot project focused on restoring biodiversity through the cultivation of 60 native and beneficial plant species, including medicinal and aromatic plants, wild fruits, bee forage plants, and companion species. Natural beekeeping practices were implemented alongside ecosystem-friendly land use strategies. Value-added products were developed from the harvested materials to support sustainable rural development.

In 2017, the project was awarded Turkey Champion in the Future Agro Challenge, an international competition for agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship.

Location: Akharem Village, Orhangazi, Bursa – Marmara Region, Türkiye
Duration: 2017–2021
Area: 5-kilometer-radius area encompassing all forest and agricultural lands within the flight range of honeybees, located at Katırlı Mountains

This study investigated the relationships between honeybees (Apis mellifera) and wild flowering plant species within a natural ecosystem. Research hives were installed on-site, and over three consecutive years, pollen samples collected from the hives were compared with reference pollen samples from naturally occurring plant species.

The analysis revealed that honeybees collected pollen from 98 different wild plant species, highlighting a rich and diverse ecological interaction. Drone-based imaging technologies were used to monitor the spatial distribution and population densities of key plant species. Climatic correlations were also assessed, offering insights into how seasonal and environmental factors influence pollination dynamics.

Location: Oğlanalanı Village, Kalkım, Çanakkale – Marmara Region, Türkiye
Duration: 2014–2025
Area: 1.3 hectares of private land within forest zone

Located at one of the highest ridge points of the region, this marginal farmland—cleared from forest decades ago—had lost its productivity rapidly due to steep slopes, erosion, and shallow soil. After 50 years of abandonment, the land was re-evaluated not for intensive agriculture, but for ecological rehabilitation.

Without disturbing the naturally regenerated vegetation, a biodiversity-enriching plantation was established. A total of 47 complementary species were planted—including forest trees, bee forage plants, wild and cultivated fruits, truffle-inoculated saplings, and medicinal and aromatic herbs. 39 species successfully adapted to the terrain.

A stationary and natural beekeeping system was initiated through the establishment of an on-site apiary. The plant diversity was intentionally designed to both enhance ecosystem health and provide the landowner with year-round high-value yields. Harvest began in the very first year, proving the site’s potential for sustainable and regenerative productivity.

In the aftermath of the devastating February 6, 2023 earthquake, amidst the rubble and despair, a women’s cooperative was born. This project was initiated to support the struggle of seven women who came together to help their community recover.

Collaborating with the Antiokhia Women’s Initiative Production and Enterprise Cooperative, Muhr Wild Gardens developed a line of natural cold-process soaps, with 100% of the proceeds directed to the cooperative. What began as a gesture of support has now laid the foundation for a broader rural development model.

The next step: producing and selling the soap directly in Antakya—by the women, for the future. Muhr-u Antakya project is moving forward, full speed.