Eradicating aliens, one tree at a time

Hopefully more people will be influenced to join us as we fight this problem one tree at a time,

The Coedmore volunteers will work hard to keep the area clean and safe

THE bid to eradicate alien trees and plants in the Yellowwood Park area is moving at a steady pace, thanks to the volunteer work of the Coedmore informal settlement residents in co-operation with the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) and NPC.

The group was trained by WESSA training officer, Zombuso Mbatha who educated and equipped the volunteers with skills and the know-how to identify alien trees and how to remove them.

READ: Indigenous post office garden plan takes root in Yellowwood Park

“Alien trees have a major impact on the environment so it is good to train locals to identify and safely remove the plants. These invasive plants displace many indigenous trees and use up most of the water needed for other trees to survive. To have the residents give up their time to help be part of the solution is awesome, as they show there can be a positive impact through community involvement. Hopefully more people will be influenced to join us as we fight this problem one tree at a time,” said Mbatha.

Volunteer Lundi Mose is an avid farmer and resident of the Coedmore informal settlement. He applauded the effort as a good initiative to get people involved. “We care about our environment and we encourage others to start caring for it too. We are only guests on Earth and we should protect our indigenous plants. We thank Zombuso Mbatha for training us, NPC for the support and also ward councillor Gavin Hegter. Before, we did not know what these aliens did to the environment and how it could negatively affect the country,” said Mose.
NPC was thanked for their support and assistance in the project. “They did not only see this as a removal project but also an employment opportunity for the locals. They helped with funding and supplying the equipment,” said ward 64 councillor, Gavin Hegter.

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