April Good Citizen of the month

GEORGE NEWS - The George Good Citizen of April, Ray Nolan, is a true eco warrior who has made a huge difference since initiating the Precious Tree Project (PTP) nine years ago.

Nolan started PTP with the help of some friends who were not in a position to plant trees themselves. "I have been involved in the renewable energy industry for over 20 years and have been an organic permaculture practitioner for even longer. I have come to understand that the most renewable and sustainable action that any human can take is the planting of a carefully chosen endemic indigenous tree and to extend this idea to the planting of indigenous endemic forest.

"Over the past nine years PTP has planted and been involved in tree planting projects and have planted over 18 000 trees across the Garden Route area. "This has only been made possible because of an amazing team of people, " says Nolan.

"Special mention has to be made of the tireless work of Melissa Dalton, who, having taken over the administrative role, has developed and grown PTP into a registered NPO. Through her massive efforts we have developed a long-term strategy of job creation, empowerment and funding models. All of this has made it possible for PTP to move towards our ambition of being able to plant millions of forest trees within the next few years."

Nolan is thankful to Rock The Route, run by Heinie Bosman, who gets foreign visitors to contribute towards the planting of trees and giving back. He also thanked Iain Giffen who is assisting in creating a long-term funding model.

"Without our volunteers our VIPs (very important planters) who show up again and again to dig holes, carry compost, haul watering cans and get the trees in the ground, the growing of the forest would not be possible. Awareness is also extending from individuals to companies, who through supporting PTP, are making a difference."

PTP plants 32 different species of endemic forest trees and Nolan says the idea is to emulate and extend the mature forest. "As the trees grow, they provide refuge, shelter, food, oxygen, clean water and medicine and, through carbon sequestration, help to reduce the devastating effects of climate change. The fires across the Garden Route in 2017 and 2018 have brought about a significant shift in awareness and the necessity to re-establish our indigenous forest and to carefully tackle the mammoth task of alien invader species. People created this mess; people can make it right." PTP welcomes any support, no matter how big or small. Visit PTP at www.precioustreeproject.org.za and on Facebook and Instagram.

Nominate and vote
Do you know someone who unselfishly gives to our city without compensation or expectation? If so, this person can be the next George Good Citizen of the Month.

George Herald has taken hands with We Are George and other major role players to promote and support the George Good Citizen Award initiative. The initiative was started in October last year to recognise deserving citizens who walk the extra mile to make George a better place. A prize of R1 000 cash is awarded each month to the citizen who is voted George Good Citizen of the Month by the public on Facebook.

Go to the Facebook pages of We Are George or George Good Citizen Awards to vote for or nominate your most inspiring Georgians.

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