Arbor Month is used to celebrate the beauty of trees and all that they do for the planet, they are responsible for cleaning our air and giving us so much more
Arbor Month is a celebration of trees and all that they do for our beautiful planet. They do more than just feed us, protect us from the sun and give us clean air. Trees combat noise pollution, prevent flooding, cool down the earth’s surface and provide habitats for our sweet little birds and critters. They are an integral part of the Earth and need to be protected.
Arbor day was first launched in Nebraska, USA over 140 years ago as a way to save the soil on the farmlands. It was a competition held by the agricultural department to see who could plant the most trees in one day. They were used as windbreaks to prevent topsoil from blowing away.
It is said that over 1 million trees were planted on the first ever Arbor Day. Now the day is celebrated globally and each place has its own date. Arbor Day in South Africa is held on the 1st of September, Arbor Week is the 1st to the 7th and in true South African style, we also dedicate the entire month of September to trees.
Every year the department of agriculture, forestry and fisheries select the trees of 2018 and this year it is the Yellowwood, a Common Species and the Shepherd’s Tree, a Rare Species.
There are a number of organisations that focus on trees in SA. Greenpop works all over the country to plant trees. Since 2010, Greenpop has planted 100,000 trees around South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. Another organistaion is Food & Trees for Africa. They focus on food trees and providing food security.
Greenpop is accepting direct donations to fund their project of planting trees or you can buy a tree for someone as a gift. Food & Trees for Africa also has a donations programme where you can fund a tree for a community in need.
You don’t only have to donate to make a difference. Speak to your local school, church or any other organisation and see where there may be need for trees. If that seems too much of a big project, just buy a nice tree for your own garden.
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