PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Attention
01 September 2014
Crocworld Conservation Centre takes the spirit of Arbor Week to Shonkweni Primary School
Every year between the 1st and the 7th of September, South Africa celebrates Arbor Week. The event, which has become something of an institution since its inception in 1983, celebrates the importance of trees, and the vital role that they play in our lives. As an official initiative implemented by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Arbor Week aims to encourage South Africans in rural and urban areas alike to take part in ‘greening’ projects. These projects include the planting of trees across the country, particularly in previously disadvantaged areas where they are equally beneficial to both the community and the environment. Specifically, Arbor Week planting projects encourage the use of indigenous tree species, which compliment local flora and fauna and enrich the natural environment of an area. On the hot, dry coast of KwaZulu-Natal, for example, indigenous tree species are a wise choice because they, unlike exotic trees, need very little irrigation and therefore help to save on water costs whilst allowing gardeners to adhere to seasonal water usage restrictions.
This year, Crocworld Conservation Centre will be getting into the spirit of Arbor Week by taking the concept to Shonkweni Primary School, in nearby Amandawe Township. The aim of the project is to instill in the next generation a love of trees, and an understanding of the importance of conserving the magnificent South Coast ecosystem in general. With these goals in mind, members of the Crocworld Conservation team will be visiting the school on the morning of September 5th, where a tree planting ceremony will take place involving 302 pupils from 8 classes across grades 4, 5, 6 and 7. The trees that the Centre have chosen for the planting are all indigenous species- a Forest Natal Mahogany (Trichilia dregeana), a Quinine Tree (Rauvolfia caffra) and a Umdoni or Waterberry (Syzygium cordatum). The first of the trees, the Forest Natal Mahogany, has a rich cultural history, its bark, seeds, leaves and roots all being ingredients in traditional medicine; and when it is grown, its attractive foliage will provide pupils with a natural shaded area. The other two trees will be equally effective in improving the schoolyard for the children that spend their formative years there, with the Quinine Tree acting as a natural attractant for locally occurring bird species, and the Umdoni or Waterberry producing beautiful fruit and flowers.
In addition to the planting ceremony on September 5th, Crocworld Conservation Centre will be donating three tree growing kits to each of the classes involved in the initiative. These kits will include seeds from two trees- the Splendid Acacia (Acacia robusta) and the Weeping Boer-Bean (Schotia brachypetala), as well as the necessary tools and instructions needed to successfully plant them. As well as passing on the spirit of Arbor Week to 302 schoolchildren, Crocworld Conservation Centre’s project will involve 28 teachers, all of whom will be tasked with overseeing the planting of the tree-growing kits. To incentivize the children and ensure their interest in the tree growing project, the Centre is offering a reward for the class whose tree is the largest after three months- an all-expenses paid trip to the Centre itself, which will include transport and a slush puppy on the day. With its extensive grounds and impressive displays (including snakes, birds and of course, crocodiles) Crocworld Conservation Centre is the perfect venue for a children’s day out, and the lucky winners of the contest are sure to have an unforgettable day exploring its many excitements.
This collaboration between Crocworld Conservation Centre and Shonkweni Primary School is a prime example of the good that Arbor Week achieves- and of its ability to promote environmental awareness whilst simultaneously enriching the local community.
ENDS
Issued on behalf of:
Martin Rodrigues
General Manager: Crocworld Conservation Centre
Disseminated by:
Olivia Jones Communications
For more information please contact:
Olivia Jones Communications
Cell: 083 653 1720
Work: 031 303 9341
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
