Maropeng celebrates Arbor Week

September 6, 2011 – Laura Maggs

After a chilly winter, spring is finally here – the sun is shining and the air smells sweet as South Africans celebrate two important occasions this September: Arbor Week and National Heritage Day.

And Maropeng is looking forward to sharing these with its visitors – it’s a perfect time to escape the city and find refuge in the Cradle of Humankind.

Arbor Week is celebrated annually in South Africa from September 1 to 7. It is a week dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of trees. South Africans first observed the occasion as Arbor Day from 1983 until 1999, when it was decided that it should be extended to a week.

During Arbor Week, communities and businesses participate in “greening” events, designed to improve on and protect the health of the environment and its trees. This year, Maropeng will be planting trees in honour of Arbor Week.

However, Maropeng’s “greening” efforts are not confined to Arbor Week. Its eco-friendly policy includes a commitment to monitoring and reducing its carbon footprint, as well as teaching visitors about sustainability and looking after our planet.

Says Maropeng’s maintenance manager, Mark Fouché, “Trees enrich our lives and play a vital role in our environment. Aside from their many benefits, such as providing oxygen, shade, beauty and wind breaks in our gardens, trees play a vital role in cleaning pollutants from the air we breathe. As the world rushes ahead with industrialisation, which is spewing toxins into the air and water, trees continue to clean up our mess as they quietly absorb and neutralise our toxic waste.

“Unlike our ancient predecessors, we have the knowledge and ability to change our circumstances by changing our habits that ultimately affect our future. In the simple act of planting, we hope to increase awareness and to inspire others to plant indigenous trees, as they are an investment in a sustainable future for everyone on this planet.”

Arbor Week is also aimed at educating people about the various indigenous tree species found in South Africa and, each year, two trees are chosen with this purpose in mind – one common, one rare. The Arbor Week trees for 2011 are the Jacket Plum (Pappea capensis) and the rare Bruidsboom (Pavetta).

The Jacket Plum, also known as the Indaba tree or the Bushveld cherry tree, is a hardy evergreen commonly found across Southern Africa. It is mostly found in bushveld areas and is popular for its sweet red fruit, edible for both humans and animals.

The Bruidsboom, also known as the bride’s bush or the Christmas bush, got its name because of its beautiful sweetly scented white flowers. It grows in forest areas and on mountain slopes and has small distribution ranges in Southern Africa, endemic only to certain areas.

Maropeng is a proud supporter of the Arbor Week ethos, and strives to constantly raise awareness of the importance of looking after our environment and fostering a love for the many beautiful trees that exist in our country.

After this proudly South African tribute to nature, National Heritage Day takes place on September 24. On this day, South Africans are encouraged to celebrate their cultural heritage and diversity. The holiday is also referred to by some as National Braai Day, a patriotic acknowledgement of our shared love for a braai in the sunshine.

Why not make the most of the beautiful weather this spring and take a trip out to Maropeng?

If you’re looking for a fun family outing, ideal for celebrating and learning more about our heritage and the environment, a visit to the Cradle of Humankind will not disappoint. Book online to take part in one of several exciting walking tours of the area, enjoy a restful picnic in the shade or treat yourself to a delicious lunch and gorgeous views at Maropeng’s Tumulus Restaurant. There is something for every member of the family to enjoy at Maropeng this September. 

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