Bonaire Celebrates Earth Day with Planting of Trees

As a result of Bonaire’s longstanding commitment to preserving and protecting the land, there will be 40 endemic trees planted on April 22, in honor of Earth Day. 

The planting of the trees ceremony will take place at Washington Slagbaai National Park, which is celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year and the public is welcome to attend.  Participants and spectators will meet at the Visitor Center at the entrance of the park, and, from there, will drive thirty minutes to the planting site.

Upon arrival, Ms. Elsmarie Beukenboom, Director of STINAPA, Bonaire’s National Parks foundation, will explain the importance of this project and its purpose for the perpetuation of the natural reforestation process on Bonaire.

The trees will be planted in a designated area called Pos Bronswinkel.  This area will be enclosed by wire mesh to ensure the young trees’ protection until they are strong enough to withstand additional pressures. There is a natural well at this site that will assure a constant flow of water to keep the trees moist so they can take root and grow.  Most of the trees will be fruit trees, as it is a proved reforestation technique to use fruit trees to attract birds, which can then disperse the seeds across a wide range of the land area of the Park after feeding upon the fruits.

Prior to the event, the staff of Washington Slagbaai National Park will prepare the land by digging the holes for the trees in advance. On Earth Day, personnel will be on site to move the plants in; everyone present will be responsible for planting a tree in the newly tossed earth.

This event is part of the ongoing 2009 Celebration of Bonaire’s Commitment to Conservation, with festivities now through November commemorating the 40th anniversary of Washington Slagbaai National Park and the 30th anniversary of the Bonaire National Marine Park.  (Source:  TCB-NY)

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