kenya: shaba tree planting
Probably you have heard of dads tree planting projects...in Shaba he did a 'small' demonstration (80 trees) so here are the pics so you have have an idea of what its all about.
First off was the explanation - all the hotel employees gathered round and got the 411 on tree planting. why its a good idea, how much it will cost, why its a good investment, how many trees you can plant in 1 acre (1000) and so on. also the varieties which are ideal for such a hot dry climate - see the last two pics...
then the actual tree planting - starting off with measuring out how close they are allowed to be...
after that a demo of tree planting. some varieties like water so you plant them in a hollow so it collects water, others dont so you have to plant them on a small hill or level with the ground...
everyone was rather enthusiastic and all willingly tried it out. in about 30min, all 80 trees were planted (including some we had promised to the guys at the gate - we will have to bring more for them next time)...
the varieties we planted were...
jatropha
this is a plant that does well with minimum water. loves hot dry areas and produces a seed which can be crushed to give an oil which can be used as a diesel substitute. without changing your motor in any way. good deal now that oil has hit $140 on the world market.
article from bbc
article from wikipedia
melia
this is a tree that also does well in hot and dry areas AND is a member of the mahogany family, so it has a beautiful hardwood when harvested.
anyway, hope that gives you an idea of what all this tree planting is about.
First off was the explanation - all the hotel employees gathered round and got the 411 on tree planting. why its a good idea, how much it will cost, why its a good investment, how many trees you can plant in 1 acre (1000) and so on. also the varieties which are ideal for such a hot dry climate - see the last two pics...
then the actual tree planting - starting off with measuring out how close they are allowed to be...
after that a demo of tree planting. some varieties like water so you plant them in a hollow so it collects water, others dont so you have to plant them on a small hill or level with the ground...
everyone was rather enthusiastic and all willingly tried it out. in about 30min, all 80 trees were planted (including some we had promised to the guys at the gate - we will have to bring more for them next time)...
the varieties we planted were...
jatropha
this is a plant that does well with minimum water. loves hot dry areas and produces a seed which can be crushed to give an oil which can be used as a diesel substitute. without changing your motor in any way. good deal now that oil has hit $140 on the world market.
article from bbc
article from wikipedia
melia
this is a tree that also does well in hot and dry areas AND is a member of the mahogany family, so it has a beautiful hardwood when harvested.
anyway, hope that gives you an idea of what all this tree planting is about.
