WIN: Celebrating Arbor Week

SOUTH Africa celebrates Arbor Week in the first week of September annually. National Arbor Week is an opportune time to call on all South Africans to plant indigenous trees as a practical and symbolic gesture of sustainable environmental management.

The history of Arbor Day

The Arbor Day tradition began on 10 April 1872 in Nebraska, a state in America. At the time, Nebraska was devoid of trees, and the people that settled in the area took it upon themselves to plant trees to improve the environment, provide building materials and attract more settlers. This movement was pioneered by J Sterling Morton, an active environmentalist who had begun planting trees at his home named ‘Arbor Lodge’, so it was fitting for the Nebraskans to name the day ‘Arbor Day’. It is estimated that 1 million trees were planted on that first Arbor Day. The idea quickly spread to other states, and then further afield in the years that followed.

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In South Africa, the Arbor Day tradition was adopted in 1983. The importance of the event was soon realised and in 1996 the tradition was elevated to a seven day Arbor Week which runs from 1 to 7 September each year.

Arbor Day has a number of objectives, including contributing towards beautifying and improving the environment, promoting awareness about the importance of trees, helping people re-connect with nature and encouraging each and every person to do their part for the environment.

Why are trees so important?

It’s easy to forget, but trees play a pivotal role in our everyday life.

· They absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutant gases produced by industry and vehicles and produce fresh oxygen which is kind of important for us when it comes to breathing…

· They block out the sun’s rays and provide shade to our homes and streets which slows evaporation and helps keep temperatures down.

· They break rainfall from hitting the ground directly and their roots bind the soil together, so they prevent run-off and soil erosion and promote recharging of ground water levels.

· They provide a habitat for birds, insects, reptiles and mammals to live in.

· They produce seeds and fruit which provides food to sustain these animals.

· They also improve aesthetics and value of properties by obscuring harsh walls and unsightly views and muffling noise pollution.

· There are also numerous health benefits that have been attributed to trees including the reduction of stress and aiding recovery from illness.

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It is a common misconception that one person cannot make a difference. In fact, this entire Arbor Day movement started with just a single person and has now spread and influenced billions of people globally. This is a classic case where the sum is greater than the parts. There are close on four million people living in eThekwini – it is far simpler for each person to plant a single tree than it is to try organise a mass-planting of four million trees!

We are very fortunate to have lots of green spaces that have preserved the indigenous coastal forest that once covered the Berea. What is important now is to re-integrate these isolated parks and reserves by re-generating and greening the spaces in between them, namely our homes, verges and open spaces.

How can you get involved?

The possibilities are endless, but here are a few suggestions of how you can make a positive difference.

* Plant a tree, and if you don’t have the space for a tree, plant a bush or get a pot plant. You can also plant on the side walk outside your home.

* Another option is to adopt a spot at a local park and establish a flower bed or tree that you care for.

* Get involved by joining one of the many eco-aligned societies or organisations in your area.

* Volunteer your time to help at an eco-aligned organisation. If time is an issue, then you could also support by donating funds instead.

* Get together with your neighbours and organise a clean-up of your local park.

* Get outdoors – round up the family and dogs and head outdoors for a walk. Pay attention to the trees and plants in your area and take notice of how the birds and insects interact with the environment. While you’re out there, take a packet along and pick up any litter you come across.

* Maintain your garden by removing alien plants and replacing them with indigenous ones to help sustain wildlife. Establish a small indigenous flower bed in a barren space in your garden.

* Spread awareness – Spread the word about Arbor Day with your circle of friends of family, at your work, or at your school.

Arbor Week activities

Guided walk at Pigeon Valley

Crispin Hemson will lead a walk with a special focus on the trees in the reserve, although you are guaranteed to be entertained with many humorous stories and various bird sightings. The walk is a gentle pace and all are welcome.
Join Crispin at Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve on Saturday, 7 September at 7.30am.

BotSoc Indigenous Plant Fair

Join in celebrating Arbor Week at the BotSoc Coastal Branch Indigenous Plant Fair at Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve on 7 and 8 September from 9am to 4pm.
Enjoy Mangroves and beach nature walks, browse wildlife exhibitors and NGO info tables and buy a wide variety of plants from local nurseries, 2019 Trees of the Year and other ‘specials’ and food, snacks, and hot and cold drinks.

Stella Plog

Stella Athletics Club will host its inaugural ‘plog’ at Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve on Saturday, 31 August at 9am. This is a run where joggers will reap the benefits of a cardio workout while at the same time doing their bit for environment and picking up litter along the route. A rapidly growing international trend, plogging is a small way that people can give back to the trails that have given them so much enjoyment! Bring along a packet to hold your stash while you run, and gloves if you want to keep your hands clean.

Stella Trail Run

Stella Athletics Club will host a trail run through some of Glenwood’s finest green spaces including Bulwer Park, Pigeon Valley, Msinsi Reserve, Umbilo Park and Kenneth Gardens starting from the club on Saturday, 7 September at 3pm. There will be groups of varying paces, and plenty of turn around points if you don’t feel like taking on the full course. The full route is approximately 15km.

Birdlife Port Natal Equinox Party

Birdlife Port Natal will be hosting an Equinox Party to welcome its newest members, the season of Spring and the arrival of the migrant birds at Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve on Sunday, 1 September at 7am. There will be a walk followed by braai. Fires, salads and rolls will be provided so just take along your meat and drinks. If you interested in attending, email: blpn.members@gmail.com for catering purposes.

Birdlife Port Natal – Celebrate Seabirds

Birdlife Port Natal will be hosting a talk by David Allan to Celebrate Seabirds at Point Yacht Club on Friday, 6 September at 6.30pm. The talk will be accompanied by a light finger supper catered by Eat Greek. Tickets are R80 per person. Book by emailing: blpn.members@gmail.com.

WIN!

Share your personal Arbor Week stories along with the before and after photos on Berea Mail’s Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/bereamail/) and Twitter (@bereamail) using the hashtag #BereaArborWeek and stand a chance to win a copy of the Durban Forest Book.

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