In order to ensure an adequate supply of native and endemic plant species for the restoration actions, it was necessary to increase the capacity of production in nurseries of endemic and native plant species. The Regional Directorate for Forestry Resources, an important partner in this project, already produced endemic and native tree species before the project started. Native and endemic species production has significantly increased since then.

However, the need for more species and, specifically, the need for herbaceous and shrubby species to ensure a higher percentage cover of the area, led the Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds to build a new nursery. This nursery is mostly focused on the production of herbaceous and shrubby species and is also important for planting areas with native and endemic species for seed collection, to be used for hydro-seeding techniques. Presently, these nurseries have an annual production of around 40,000 plants and around 160 kg of seeds.

These nurseries are also used for environmental education activities and for the promotion of the use of native species in gardening by the general public.

The project’s communication strategy was aimed at the local population through press and social media. It was important to produce press releases and invite journalists to report on the project, as was communication through the internet and social media.

A regular programme of activities aimed at the general public, including volunteering activities, was developed. These activities allowed locals (and sometimes visitors) to participate in and learn about conservation activities taking place in the protected area, as well as learning about Azorean biodiversity.

In the end of 2007 the Priolo's Interpretation Centre was opened. Its mission is to raise awareness for the “Priolo” and its habitat, the Laurel Forest. It contains an exhibition that tells the story of Azores bullfinch, explains the conservation actions developed on the ground and talks about the biodiversity of the protected area and of the Azores archipelago. The Priolo’s Interpretation Centre increased the communication capability of the project. This centre provides information for visitors to the protected area and promotes educational activities for schools and the local population. This centre also has a small souvenir shop and donation box, gathering some funding for the implementation of the project.

A comprehensive environmental education program was developed for all levels of basic education, from pre-school to 12th year and including professional training. It includes activities adapted to the learning curriculum of each year. This way, school children would get information about nature conservation and its benefits while learning relevant concepts for their education. These activities are also offered to non-formal educational groups during the school holidays. More than 20,000 students have participated in a programme that has reached all the schools on the island.

The environmental education programme was designed with the contribution of teachers through several workshops that led to the definition of an education strategy. It includes a set of activities to be developed in the schools, ranging from lectures and practical classroom activities to more recreational activities and educational games. It also comprises some school visits to the Priolo’s Interpretation Centre, the Nurseries of Azorean Plants and the protected area.

Teaching tools and child-friendly materials were prepared for the programme and for teachers’ independent use. A certified teacher education program has been developed with 150 teachers trained so far.