Original content from Polity.co.za reposted:

Townships, informal settlements and squatter camps have become firmly entrenched as part of the Pretoria landscape. A phenomenon reflected throughout South Africa. These communities have very little access to “green” spaces such as parks and gardens. The ‘Greening Project’ launched by the partners of Pretoria-based law firm Adams & Adams and supported by Willow Feather Farm aims to establish, with the involvement of Vuka’Uzenzele Primary School in Nellmapius, Tshwane, a green space within the school.

“Trees play a vital role in rural and urban populations. They are needed to enrich and anchor soil, maximise water supplies, beautify and humanise townships and urban areas and provide shade and shelter. Many of our pharmaceutical, food, construction and energy sectors depend on trees and their by-products as part of the manufacturing process. Planting trees in our rural and urban areas is also very important in off-setting the carbon dioxide that our industrial activities release into the atmosphere,” says Nicky Garnett, head of Adams & Adams CSI group.

“Knowledge is power,” says Garnett, “and the Adams & Adams ‘Greening Project’ aims to educate the learners of Vuka School and the community at large about the importance of a healthy environment and the impact of trees in our lives – particularly the myriad of indigenous trees which play such an important part of greening. We’d also like to teach the learners and community that ordinary South African’s can play an important role in greening the country – just by planting and caring for trees.

“I think most importantly it will be vital to empower the community and school to work together to oversee the maintenance of trees in the long term and leave a legacy for all learners who pass through the school.”

Vuka Kids Excited

In honour of Freedom Day, Adams & Adams with Willow Feather Farm planted 38 River Bush Willow trees at the school, which is equivalent to almost 700 reams of paper.

“This is a wonderful and truly exciting opportunity for Adams & Adams to reduce its carbon footprint and to give back to the environment,” says Garnett.

Garnett challenges other law firms to do the same. “It would be great to see a collective of law firms setting aside the competition for just a while and providing other institutions such as Vuka, with the opportunity to improve the lives of communities and schools.

“We made a commitment to the staff and pupils of the school that we will support them and we intend to continue to do so by assisting them in whatever way we can to provide an enriching and secure environment for their learners. We have several other projects in mind for this year and are excited to be making a difference,” says Garnett.

Willow Feather Farm Staff Planting at Vuka

Moses Mampye, the principal of the school, had this to say: “Vuka’Uzenzele and the community of Nellmapius would like to thank Adams & Adams and Willow Feather Farm very much for participating in greening our school. Greening is important. We must take care of our trees, preserve them and nurture them. Soon these trees will blossom into magnificent expressions of bounty and beauty. You have made a wonderful contribution to our Land!”

Willow Feather Farm are passionate growers of indigenous trees, specialising in growing large numbers of frost hardy indigenous trees that they supply to all sectors of South Africa. They are also seen as a greening partner to many companies, providing a transparent platform for companies to reach their greening goals. Brian Geyer of Willow Feather Farm says: “Through our Corporate Greening Programme we have a goal of planting 100 000 trees every year together with our partners, thereby leaving a legacy for future generations.” His brother and partner in the business, Barry Geyer is quick to quote the famous Chinese proverb: “’The best time to plant a tree was 25 years ago. The second best time is now’”. Geyer goes on to say, that the sooner we all start planting trees the better.

Plant trees and shrubs now so that they can become established before the heat of summer – to protect the roots against the cold, apply a thick layer of mulch (5 – 8cm) at the beginning of winter. ~ Home Magazine, April edition

We are offering a 15% discount on all homegrown Willow Feather Farm trees until the end of April in our Retail Nursery.

Willow Feather Farm homegrown trees are trees that we have propagated and grown on our farm below Rietvlei dam. These trees are acclimatized to the area and are ready for planting.

Combretum Erythrophyllum – River Bush-willow / Vaderlandswilg

A medium to large frost and drought hardy deciduous tree that is fast growing with a non invasive root system.
An ideal shade tree with lovely Autumn colors.

All trees propagated and grown on Willow Feather Farm, Centurion.

FREE DELIVERY within 25km from the farm. Offer valid until 31 March 2012

Contact Brian 073 265 9342 or Barry 072 203 5271

National Arbor Week (Iviki Lezihlahla) serves to promote awareness for the need to plant and maintain indigenous trees throughout South Africa, especially for the many disadvantaged communities who often live in barren areas.

There are so many reasons to plant trees. To name just a few:

• For shade, to shelter plants and to reduce evaporation of water from soil by the sun;
• To create a pleasant and beautiful environment;
• To conserve energy;
• Trees help to reduce air pollution;
• Trees protect the soil and water;
• Trees can create wildlife habitats;
• Trees are necessary for wind reduction and control;
• The roots of trees help bind the soil and reduce soil erosion;
• To produce timber for use such as furniture, building material, poles and paper; and
• Any tree will make its small contribution to remove some carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and produce oxygen, although some contribute more than others.

In view of this we need to get into the habit of planting trees! The Success Academy Properties has decided to support Arbor Week by sponsoring 1,500 trees which we will be given as a gift to all the employees of their tenants. Everyone will be given the option to either take their tree home, plant it themselves, give it as a gift or contribute it to TSA’s “Save our Planet Plant A Tree” project. This project is being done in association with Willow Feather Farm.

We at Willow Feather Farm would like to recreate the experiences and moments that we had on the farm as children. Many children of today do not have the opportunity to run and play in a large established garden, interact with a variety of farm animals, ride a pony or have a party in a barn. We will be providing a venue where children can experience all of this in the safety and serenity of our farm. Willow Feather Farm’s quaint tea garden will allow parents and customers to enjoy items from our classic tea garden menu. For those that prefer a less formal setting, you may purchase our pre-packed picnic baskets and enjoy them in our scenic gardens.

What animals can be seen at Willow Feather Farm:

• Ponies
• Sheep
• Potbelly pigs
• Goats
• Swans, ducks and Geese
• Miniature Dextor bull
• Turkeys
• Ostrich’s
• Donkeys
• Guinea pigs and rabbits
• Chickens and birds.