“Other holidays repose upon the past; Arbour Day proposes for the future.” – Mr. J. Sterling Morton, founder of Arbour Day.
We’re well into Arbour Week, which is celebrated annually in South Africa, during the first week of September. Arbour Day was first celebrated in South Africa in 1983 (which happened to be my birth year and may explain my fondness towards these mighty green giants), when people began to recognise and appreciate the value of trees, as well as the need to raise awareness of conservation. The importance of the occasion inspired the national government, in 1999, to extend the celebration from Arbour Day to National Arbour Week.
Here are a few ways that you can celebrate Arbour Week:
- Plant a tree
Help improve the health and beauty of the local environment and create a green future for South Africa by planting a tree. Organisations like Greenpop have started a treevolution and made it really easy for those of us without green thumbs to get involved. They encourage schools, businesses and organisations to participate by planting trees, volunteering, taking tree tours, and attending special events.
- Know the Trees of the Year
To create public awareness of some of the 2000 tree species that are indigenous to South Africa, Arbour Week highlights at least two specific trees – one common and one rare species. This year the common tree is Syzygium cordatum (Water berry), and the rare trees are Protorhus longifolia (Red Beech) and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (Black Mangrove). Try get your tongue around those names!
- Visit the Modjadji Cycad Reserve
High in the Lobedu Mountains, near Tzaneen, lies the Modjadji Cycad Reserve, a forest boasting some of oldest and largest endemic cycad species (Encephalartos transvenosis) in the world. On average the cycads grows 6 metres in height, with some individuals reaching an astounding 13 metres! A network of trails and more than 170 bird species in the area adds to the attraction. Due to plant-poaching, the pricey cycad is a rare and protected species. Make a weekend of it and enjoy a stay at one of our fabulous accommodations.
- Take a road trip along the Garden Route
I couldn’t think of a better destination to visit to celebrate Arbour Week. The Garden Route is a South African icon, rich in lusciously diverse vegetation. Stretching from Mossel Bay to Storms River, this exquisite land is a must see! Take your pick of exciting destinations along the route, including Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay, Nature’s Valley, and George.
- Go on a canopy tour
Experience life in the tree tops on an unforgettable adventure as you slide from one platform to the next, along a series of steel cables set in magnificent natural surroundings. There are a number of operators throughout South Africa, including:
- Magaliesberg Canopy Tour® in Gauteng / North West
- Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour® at Storms River Village on the Garden Route
- Karkloof Canopy Tour® in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands
- Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour® between the towns of Haenertsburg and Tzaneen in Limpopo province.
- Drakensberg Canopy Tour® opposite Drakensberg Sun
- Malolotja Canopy Tour® in Swaziland
Whether you have a thumb or not, there are plenty of opportunities to appreciate our majestic trees. What other ways will you be celebrating Arbour Week?
Image 1 courtesy of Melesse (wikipedia)
Image 2 is writer’s own
Image 3 courtesy of kiryna (flickr)
