Amanzimtoti Primary plants trees for Arbour Month
The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa donated trees, explained their importance and planted them.
IN commemoration of National Arbour Month, WESSA donated three trees and spekboom to Amanzimtoti Primary School on September 16.
The National Arbour Month campaign is aimed at making South Africans aware of the need to conserve, protect and plant trees for environmental and human-related ideals. The value and importance of trees and forests to South Africans are highlighted.
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As an eco-school in their 12th year, they were asked by Nomfundo Ndlovu of WESSA if they would like to receive a donation of trees.
The school’s Kirsten Stannard said the WESSA Groen Sebenza team arrived with three types of trees. Firstly, the tree of the year (2022), locally known as the pompom tree. It is hardy, fast-growing and low maintenance, and because it has non-invasive roots, it is the perfect tree for gardens with limited space.
The other trees were the wild plum and two small orange trees. “As we are starting a fruit forest, this was a very welcome donation. We will be seeking advice to develop a netting enclosure or food tunnel as the vervet monkeys are visitors to our area,” said Stannard.
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WESSA also donated a few bags of spekboom. “The older children are very familiar with these plants as they have conducted research at school, and they appreciate the importance and value of this versatile and hardy plant,” she said.
A short talk from a WESSA representative was directed at the children’s level, explaining to them why trees are so important. Related posters were donated, and learners were given a practical lesson on how to plant a tree correctly. “The activity was a fun learning experience where all the learners involved contributed to the process,” said Stannard.
She added that another exciting project they are undertaking is the QR coding for the plants and trees at the school. Stannard said, “This links to the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) website. It provides some very interesting and useful information which we will use as an educational research exercise.”
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The school currently has two small vegetable and herb gardens that are growing crops, which are going to be harvested to sell on a small scale to sustain the project.
“It is mainly used as an educational tool for the Enviro club learners, teaching them permaculture principles. We are receiving educational support and materials from EduPlant, an arm of Food and Trees for Africa, as well,” she said.
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