To celebrate Arbour Week, the Wildlife and Infrastructure team joined colleagues from Eskom at the Madibatlou Middle School in Olifantfontein, Gauteng, on 5 September, to speak about the importance of planting and conserving trees.

Wildlife and Infrastructure unit head Oscar Mohale and I also spoke to the school’s Grade 2 and 3 learners about birds and power lines, and what we, as the EWT, are doing to reduce the number of bird collisions with power lines. During these talks we showcased a vulture and a Blue Crane, as well as some of the devices we use to mark power lines.

I read a story to the children about Arbour Day so they could understand what this day is about and how, as people, we can conserve trees and, most importantly, plant trees.

After an art competition where the children coloured in pictures of birds, trees and people, the vegetable garden planted at the school earlier in the week was officially opened. The food grown in this garden will assist in feeding the children and the community.