Welcoming Spring after a cold winter, South Africans annually plant trees during Arbor Week, which this year was from 1 to 7 September.
Since it is also Heritage Month this year’s trees were the Sophia Town Oak Tree and the Sagole Baobab Tree in Limpopo, owing to their cultural significance.
The Breede Valley Municipality‘s Parks and Cemeteries team, alongside the South African National Biodiversity Institute (Sanbi) and Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden, planted trees at several schools, including Worcester Primary, Victoria Park Primary, Breërivier High and Siyafuneka School in Zwelethemba in Worcester.
The learners rolled their sleeves up and helped plant trees that will stand tall for decades.
By planting trees the school community is contributing to cleaner air, greater food security and stronger ecosystems, benefits that extend far beyond the schoolyard.
This initiative forms part of the national Ten Million Trees Programme, driven by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).
The programme will reach a major milestone on 24 September this year, when 1 million trees are set to be planted in a single day across the country.
Trees are credited with playing a major role in fighting climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and improving air quality by producing oxygen and filtering pollutants.
They prevent soil erosion and provide vital habitats and food for wild life.
They also increase the property values of houses and reduce energy costs by providing shade and cooling down homes. There are many reasons to plant a sapling in your yard!
