Arbour Week in South Africa

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great post...

- Cat

6 September 2010

The Origins of Arbour Day

Mr. J. Sterling Morton, a newcomer to the treeless plains of Nebraska, was a keen advocate of the beauty and benefit of trees, and started the initiative in 1872. He persuaded the local agricultural board to set aside a day for planting trees. The tradition continues annually in the second week of August, in global acknowledgment of Mr. Morton's slogan, "other holidays repose upon the past; Arbor Day proposes for the future."

In South Africa, Arbour Day was first celebrated in 1983. The event captured the imagination of people who recognized the need for raising awareness of the value of trees in our society. As sources of building material, food, medicine, and simple scenic beauty, trees play a vital role in the health and well-being of our communities. Collective enthusiasm for the importance of this issue in South Africa inspired the national government, in 1999, to extend the celebration of Arbour Day to National Arbour Week. From 1 to 7 September every year, schools, businesses and organizations are encouraged to participate in community "greening" events to improve the health and beauty of the local environment and propose a green future for South Africa.

Therefore, with these important dates coming up, it wouldn’t hurt being clued up on one of our country’s most valued natural resources!

Check out South Africa’s trees of the year here

http://www.plantzafrica.com/miscell/trees_of_the_year.pdf

Have a look at what I discovered on the importance of trees on the website

www.greenworks.co.za

The Importance of Trees

Trees absorb carbon dioxide and turn it into oxygen.
The natural carbon dioxide cycle keeps a balance in the amount of CO2 in our atmosphere. But our actions and behaviours cause changes which upset this natural balance.
The creation of too many greenhouse gases causes an imbalance with heat being trapped in the Earth's atmosphere, increasing the overall average temperature resulting in global warming.
We produce excessive amount of carbon dioxide by burning coal and petrol (referred to as 'fossil fuels' or fossil energy) in our power plants, factories and cars, and in deforestation.
The destruction of rainforests and cutting down of other forests also affects the balancing act. By destroying Earth's natural forestation we threaten our existence.
Planting trees is one of the most cost-effective ways offsetting our carbon emissions, as well as beautifying an area.
Trees play a vital role in rural and urban populations. They are needed to enrich and anchor soil, to maximise water supplies, to beautify and humanise townships and urban areas and to provide shade and shelter. They are also crucial for biodiversity conservation. Products and services from trees include food, timber, fibre, medicines and energy.

Arbour Week

Yearly, from 1 to 7 September schools, organisations and businesses participate in community "greening" events to improve the health and beauty of the local environment and develop a green future for South Africa. Events are held around the country highlighting the benefits of planting and conserving trees to offset carbon emissions and for greening to improve the quality of life and uplift the environment, and communities.

Trees of the Year

Every Arbour Week celebration highlights two or three specific trees, one common and one rare species. In 2009 the trees being highlighted are:

Common: Monkey Thorn or Apiesdoring (Acacia galpinii)

Rare: Tree Fuchsia or Notsung (Halleria lucida) and Round-leaved Teak or Dopperkiaat (Pterocarpus rotundifolius)