500 trees planted at Trees for Words II project in Marais Park
March 11, 2013 
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Students from Stellenbosch University (SU) and learners from various schools in the Stellenbosch area planted more than 500 “spekbome” in the Jan S Marais Park on Thursday (7 March). The project, Trees for Words II, annually forms part of the Stellenbosch University Woordfees (SU Wordfest).
Rayno Blomerus and Johannes van der Westhuizen of Paul Roos Gymnasium
The schools taking part were Bloemhof, Stellenbosch High and Primary Schools, Paul Roos Gymnasium and Dorothea School, while a number of university residences took part via their clusters. A choir from Stellenbosch High, “Brandslang” entertained the enthusiastic tree planters.
According to Mr Johan Roux of the Stellenbosch Municipality and Head of the Park, the indigenous spekboom, known for its ability to take up carbon dioxide, grows faster during day time and can grow in drier areas of the country. Planting 10 hectares of spekbome equals taking 26 cars off the road for a year.
The Trees for Words project is undertaken annually in an effort to help reduce the carbon footprint of the Wordfest. Stellenbosch Municipality provided the trees and prepared the area for irrigation, while Grade 8 learners from Stellenbosch High School cleaned the area and picked up the litter.
- For further inquiries please contact Jan Odendaal at 083 701 9791.
Daar is nie so’n plek soos die JS Marais-reservaat nie. Oos-Kaapse spekbome behoort nie op groot skaal in die jan Marais-natuurreservaat geplant te word nie en leerders wat ‘n boom plant sonder om dit te versorg, kry die verkeerde boodskap.
Baie geluk, mnr Odendaal. Hierdie was ‘n sinvolle manier om leerders by die Woordfees, kultuur en die omgewing te betrek.