About

Welcome to The Bodhi Tree! 

Tucked away in the wild, green heart of Las Marías, Puerto Rico, The Bodhi Tree is where rare fruit trees, conservation, and community come together in one big, leafy adventure.

I started The Bodhi Tree with one mission: to create a place where nature, people, and wild things could thrive together. This land was once nurtured by a visionary who planted the seeds of this forest long before I arrived. Now, I humbly carry that legacy forward – protecting the towering trees, rare plants, and wildlife that call this place home.

Inspired by Steve Irwin: Conservation with Heart and Action

I didn’t grow up dreaming of running a conservation project. But I did grow up watching Steve Irwin—a man whose passion for wildlife, infectious enthusiasm, and unwavering belief in protecting the natural world changed the way I saw everything.

Steve didn’t just educate people—he made them fall in love with nature. He showed the world that conservation isn’t just about science and policies—it’s about connection, adventure, and action. That’s exactly what I want The Bodhi Tree to be.

Like Steve, I believe that every creature, every tree, and every ecosystem matters. His work taught me that conservation isn’t about keeping nature at a distance—it’s about jumping in, getting dirty, and doing whatever it takes to protect what we love.

The Bodhi Tree may be a tiny project compared to what Steve built, but every tree I plant, every animal I rescue, and every piece of forest I fight to protect is a way of carrying forward his mission. I’m no wildlife warrior in khakis, but if I can inspire even one person to care about nature a little more, then I know I’m on the right track.

Meet The Dirt-Covered Dreamer Behind It All

Hi, I’m Tisha—a city girl who somehow ended up running a forest. Born in India, studied in New Jersey, and once a fast-paced New Yorker, I traded skyscrapers for tree canopies and now spend my days covered in dirt, wrangling plants, and being bossed around by rescue animals.

The Bodhi Tree wouldn’t exist without the incredible people who helped shape this journey.

First and foremost, my mom, Dami—who made The Bodhi Tree possible in more ways than one. She’s been a constant supporter, even when my ideas sounded slightly (or completely) ridiculous. If I’m out here covered in dirt, wrestling plants, and making this dream a reality, it’s because she had my back from the start.

Then there’s Sherry, my mentor, my teacher, my guru. This land was hers before she passed the torch to me, trusting me to continue its story. She poured years of love and care into this forest, and I’m honored to carry her legacy forward—protecting, growing, and giving back in every way I can.

And my husband, Sunil, my rock (and occasional reality check). He’s been by my side through every plant rescue, every muddy disaster, and every wild idea—even though he’s not a plant person. He may not know a Monstera from a mango tree, but he sure knows how to keep me (mostly) sane through it all.

The Bodhi Tree grew from a deep love for wild spaces and a simple belief: nature deserves to thrive. What started as a personal passion for rare plants and conservation quickly turned into something much bigger – a sanctuary for endangered species, forgotten plants, and the countless creatures who call this forest home. Now, it’s not just about preserving the wild – it’s about growing with it, learning from it, and giving back to the community in ways I never could have imagined.

I don’t have all the answers, and I’m definitely learning as I go. But if there’s one thing I know, it’s this: when we fight for nature, nature fights for us.

So, kick off your shoes, watch out for falling fruit, and stay a while—because this is where the wild things grow.