Here is a short update on the trees project. With the recent arrival of the rains, the trees planted early in the year are doing really well. This is especially the case at Lpus Leluai Primary School in West Gate. Roy Juma’s Neem tree has grown to more than half a metre!
Roy (centre of photo) shows Raphael and myself his tree
In the recent East African article about the Ewaso Lion Project, the writer mentioned Roy. Here is what she said:
“Driving though the conservancy, we stop by one of the schools where Bhalla has set up a tree planting project. For the young Roy Juma, who is in Standard Four at Lpus Leluai, guarding his tree is a way of bringing rain to the land in future. He is the face of the next generation in conservation.”
Click here for the full article in the East African newspaper
In early September, Chip Owen, one of the project’s main donors and friends, visited us in Samburu. We took Chip to all the schools where trees were planted and also planted our own trees at Raphael and Joseph’s house in West Gate. The timing was perfect because the following week, it poured with rain!
Chip with Jimmy’s (in blue shorts) tree at Lpus Leluai Primary
So, to date (between February and October), 79 trees have been planted in schools, villages and homes. I am looking forward to expanding the tree project in 2009 where more and more trees will be planted in villages especially.
Raphael waters his newly planted seedling
Joseph waters his tree
If you would like to support the Ewaso Lions Tree Project, please do make a donation. Large seedlings cost Kenya Shillings 50 and I normally provide some chicken wire to fence the tree to prevent goats and dik diks from destroying the seedling. So, for about $1.50 – one tree can be planted in an area where trees are sooo important. Every tree planted makes a difference in this dry, arid part of Kenya.
Newly planted tree seedling with wire protection