Treez2015 off and running

GOVERNOR ELECT of Optimist International Caribbean District, Patrick Prendergast planted his first seedling for the Treez2015 district project at Ardenne Preparatory in St Andrew on Wednesday, October 1.

GE Patrick was joined by his daughter, Jordis in planting a Pride of Barbados seedling in one of the school’s green areas just outside of the classrooms.

A second seedling was planted by grade 3 teacher, Ms. Patcine Findlator and her students. They planted a Poui (Tabebuia) which is famous for its magnificent yellow, pink or white blooms around Easter time. 

The teacher and students have promised to care for these seedlings and to track their growth into the brilliant trees they should become.

Treez2015 is an initiative of Governor Barbara Arrindell to kick start the Optimist year with something that is both symbolic of growth and demonstrable of our concern for the future. Involving children is both a demonstration of our commitment to the future and positive motivation for children to think about the preservation of the environment.

The target is to plant Two Thousand and Fifteen (2015) trees by January 1, 2015 across all the Caribbean territories in which Optimist clubs are located.

The project comes at an opportune time as Jamaica will observe its annual National Tree Planting Day on Friday, October 3, 204. Optimists and their junior counterparts will participate in activities planned for several schools across the country.

Optimist Doreen (Sunset Liguanea)
with students and teacher at Ardenne Preparatory

Seedlings for the projects are available at the Forestry Department’s nurseries for either free or at minimal costs.

See more Treez2015 activities here:

https://www.facebook.com/treez2015
https://www.facebook.com/caribbean.optimists

https://www.facebook.com/barbara.arrindell.3