KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna has become a bit greener this weekend after a number of good Samaritans planted indigenous trees in the Pledge Nature Reserve to provide relief after the fires.
This planting, which took place on Saturday 23 September, was part of Go Green Knysna, a project that was inspired by Cape Town resident Chanel du Plooy who wanted to help restore the damage caused to the fauna and flora in Knysna.
It has since been supported by AfriForum’s environmental unit and various others who wanted to help.
They have been planting trees and shrubs to not only restore the area – renowned for its natural beauty – to its former glory, but also to assist in preventing water erosion.
On Saturday, the group planted several indigenous trees including Cape ash, waterbessie and Outeniqua yellowwoods in the reserve.
“Due to the water restrictions we decided to start with 10 trees.
"We decided on indigenous trees because they grow faster and therefore would make a bigger impact in the short term.
"We are, however, planning to plant more trees there before the end of the month,” said AfriForum’s environmental coordinator Chris Boshoff.
He added that they also donated a 2 500-litre water tank to the reserve as its infrastructure was also destroyed by the fires.
“The reserve was chosen as a starting point to help the Knysna ecosystem back on its feet,” said Afriforum’s Southern Cape district coordinator Johandre van Zyl.
“We often visit Knysna and became very upset after learning about the many residents who lost everything in the fires as well as the many animals who had nothing to eat after the disaster. That is what inspired me to start the project,” Du Plooy said.
AfriForum also held a fundrasising competition among schools in the area.
A new tree was named after each of the three winning schools Outeniqua Primary, Meerendal Preprimary and Eduplay.
“We want to thank all the role players who helped us make this project a reality. These include Flora RSA Nursery, Everybody Love Everybody, Norgarivier Nursery, Gardenworld Krugersdorp and the Cape Garden Centre,” she added.
The Go Green Knysna team planted 10 trees in the Pledge Nature Reserve in Knysna on 23 September to help restore the environment destroyed during the fires.
Du Plooy said anyone who want to assist can do so by planting trees and shrubs.
“Those interested to lend a helping hand can follow our Facebook page to see when and where we will be planting trees and shrubs.”
Cash donations can also be made.
More info: Facebook/Go Green Knysna or www.afriforum.co.za/gaan-groen-knysna.
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