GEORGE NEWS - Alexander’s Wish is calling on residents to help make George and the Garden Route greener during National Arbor Week from 1 to 7 September as part of an initiative for Alexander’s Great Forest.

Every indigenous tree bought by a member of the public for planting during this week will be matched with another tree donated by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) for Alexander’s Great Forest at the Garden Route Botanical Garden. This offer is for up to 1 000 trees.

The initiative encourages communities to plant and care for indigenous trees while supporting the restoration of the region’s forests following the devastating storms. The message is simple: buy one tree and plant two. This will double every donor’s contribution to the restoration of the area.

Alexander’s Great Forest is a reforestation initiative focused on the natural rehabilitation of the forest biome, increasing biodiversity and expanding natural habitat for birdlife in George.

“While the forest may not yet be ready for public planting, residents can buy their trees now,” says Marelize Rhodes whose son, Alexander, passed away in May this year after a battle with cancer. The forest is being created in his memory.

Rhodes says the trees will be kept and cared for by the botanical garden where they will be allowed to grow strong and healthy until the future planting day.

“Following the recent storm damage in the region, reforestation and the protection of indigenous vegetation have taken on renewed importance. 

Marelize Rhodes with botanical garden curator Christiaan Viljoen in the section of the garden where donated trees will be cared for. 

"This initiative wants to work towards restoring natural habitat, supporting biodiversity and creating a lasting living legacy for the Garden Route,” says Rhodes.

For more information, contact Alexander’s Wish on 082 434 0011 or visit www.alexanderswish.co.za.

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