Riebeeck Lake gets 25 new trees

Multiple DA members and learners recently came together at Riebeeck Lake for a tree planting day.

Organiser of the event Wendy de Klerk said the tree planting day was a great success.

“We were shocked to see the extent of illegal cutting of timber that has taken place there. The wealth of trees that has been lost is irreplaceable.”

She explained the 25 trees that were planted by them – if they survive and grow to be old trees – will, however, still not replace what has been removed.

“80% of the forest is made of mostly eucalyptus trees, but others too, like oak, fir and blue-gum, yellow-wood, etc. The ecosystem and biodiversity of the area depend on the trees as much as the water and wetland plants in the area.”

Wendy added that the birds can’t nest without those trees and the ground needs the stability provided by tree roots to maintain the bank of the lake if they are to prevent flooding during heavy rains. She made an appeal to the public to preserve the lake area and if any illegal activity is seen, that it be reported.

“We also need these young trees to grow to adulthood and then we can enjoy the lake once more as we used to in years past. Let’s work together to preserve what we have created instead of people taking the young trees for themselves to put in their gardens. If that was to happen, we can’t secure the continuation of our natural environment.”

She wants to thank ATKV for the donations of the trees, the Cornerstone School Grade 7 learners who each planted their own tree as their legacy from their stay at the school. She also wants to thank Pieter Erasmus.

“We still have trees to plant at the vlei along Rietbok Street, which we will re-arrange after the school exams. We request support for this and we will also be needing a donation of bottled water for the volunteers.”

For any information contact Wendy on 079 134 1669.