Arbor Month is an annual campaign that pays homage to trees and reminds society of their indispensable role in our ecosystem.
To honour Arbor Month, the City’s Recreation and Parks Department organised a series of tree-planting events and green initiatives aimed at enhancing the city’s urban landscape. So far, 3 000 trees have been distributed and planted in local communities since the beginning of the year.
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‘Arbor month is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of trees to our society, and the theme this year, which is “Forests and Health”, highlights the crucial connection between forests and human well-being,’ explained Councillor Patricia Van der Ross, the City’s mayoral committee member for community services and health.
She continued, ‘Not only do trees and forests provide clean air, but they also beautify our surroundings and recreational spaces, providing a sense of tranquillity and being close to nature. And, while Arbor Month is special, our efforts to help trees take root continue all year round, as can be seen by the thousands of trees already distributed this year.’
This year’s Arbor Month endeavours included:
- Van Niekerk Park Beautification: On August 30th, six majestic Cocos plumosa (Queen palms) trees were planted in Bellville’s Van Niekerk Park, a task that required heavy machinery and input from landscapers.
- Langa’s Centenary 100 Trees Project: A flagship event for National Arbor Month took place at Langa Civic Hall on 20 September, concluding the Langa Centenary 100 Trees Project. This initiative, commemorating the 100th anniversary of Langa, involved planting 100 trees throughout the area, symbolising growth, resilience, and a commitment to a sustainable future. These trees serve as a living tribute to the community’s heritage and an avenue for enhancing the local environment.
- Youth Education in Goodwood: On 20 September, ten Tarchonanthus (Camphor bushes) trees were planted at Rohm Street, Goodwood, in partnership with Goodwood Park Primary School.
- Cape Green Day Expo: During this year’s Cape Green Day Expo, the department showcased its services and distributed awareness materials about the city’s green spaces.
- Bonsai Exhibition: In anticipation of the upcoming Bonsai Festival in October and as part of the Arbor Month celebration, the Bonsai Fraternity exhibited their exquisite bonsai creations at various City offices from 18 to 22 September. This provided an opportunity for the public to appreciate the beauty of bonsais and learn about the passion and art involved in their cultivation.
Recognising exceptional dedication to the preservation and growth of Cape Town’s urban forests, the City awarded the Arbor City Partnership Award to the ‘TreeKeepers’ by the National Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Environment (DFFE), for their unwavering commitment to tree care and education.
This year, the City Council adopted the Urban Forest Policy. This policy underscores the City’s commitment to preserving and enhancing urban forests, outlining strategies for tree planting, preservation and maintenance throughout Cape Town.
‘As we mark National Arbor Month, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing and expanding these essential green spaces in Cape Town, and we invite residents to join us on this journey by planting a tree, learning about our local flora and contributing towards a greener and more sustainable Cape own,’ concluded Councillor Van der Ross.
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