Aruba native tree restoration has entered a second phase at the Bucuti Tara–GMC Nature Preserve in Noord, where volunteers planted 50 young trees representing 14 native species during the weekend, Diario reported on September 28.
New planting builds on more than 1,200 trees
The new work follows the project’s first phase, during which more than 1,200 native trees were planted to restore degraded land and strengthen native vegetation. The preserve covers about 14 hectares of protected cunucu in Noord and was established to safeguard one of the district’s remaining undeveloped green areas.
The 50 saplings planted at the start of phase two were selected for their ability to withstand Aruba’s dry climate and for their potential to provide shade, food and habitat for local wildlife.
Fourteen native species represented
The selection included species described as difficult to find or protected in Aruba, including taki (Geoffroea spinosa), brasil (Haematoxylum brasiletto) and palisia blanco (Bursera karsteniana), according to Diario.
By propagating and reintroducing native trees, organizers say the project is intended to strengthen local plant populations, restore ecological functions and support biodiversity.
Volunteers begin care phase
Ban Lanta y Planta, a local nonprofit focused on native-tree planting and landscape restoration, collaborated with Bucuti & Tara on the initiative. Volunteers cultivate native saplings in a nursery before planting them at selected restoration sites around Aruba.
With the first phase-two trees now in the ground, attention is turning to their care and establishment. Organizers expressed hope that the rainy season will provide favourable conditions for the young trees to grow.
Source: Diario — Volunteers plant 50 native trees from 14 species
