Spring 2010 - A
‘Seeds of Hope, Trees for Tomorrow’ 2nd Planting Season Highlights In its second season of “Seeds of hope, trees for tomorrow” campaign, Ibsar coordinated the planting of nearly 9,000 trees in 20 municipalities. The University’s Center for Civic Engagement and Community Service (CCECS) helped to mobilize over 200 AUB volunteers, including students and faculty members (as well as members of their families) to help execute 15 planting events in the course of two and a half months. Without the help and support of our volunteers and CCECS, this would not have been possible. Moreover, Ibsar successfully propagated 24 species of native trees and shrubs that contributed to the diversity of newly planted public spaces in over 20 municipalities this past season. The Center now has protocols for the propagation of over 30 species of native trees and shrubs. These protocols will be disseminated to village micro-nurseries so that local communities will have the knowledge and know-how of producing these ecologically important species in order to facilitate future reforestation plans.
NURSERY & PLANTING NEWS Ibsar’s native tree nursery at AREC (AUB’s Agricultural Research and Education Center) has expanded and is now able to facilitate the cultivation of approximately 50,000 seedlings. This capacity would not have reached if it were not for the introduction of Ibsar’s new seedling boxes last winter (see previous newsletter). There were a handful of new species that germinated this year, such as a local variety of Montpellier maple (Acer monspessulanum L. ssp microphyllum), nettle tree (Celtis australis L.), Mediterranean medlar (Crataegus azarolus L.) and storax (Styrax officinalis L. – see image of germinating seed to the right) that were added to the native tree portfolio [a full list of all the species can be found on www.ibsar.org].
CAMPAIGN EVENTS NEWS International College and Wellspring Learning Center Fundraising The youth have proven to be an important aspect to the Power of Planting program, not only for their participation in educational and training programs, but also for their eagerness to raise money for a cause they believe in. Such was the case for International College (IC) Middle School students (left) and 5th and 6th graders from Wellspring Learning Center (right). These groups of students who are very much advocates of preserving nature raised a total of $4,250 for the “Seeds of Hope, Trees for Tomorrow” campaign in just a matter of a few weeks. The funds will not only help Ibsar in planting more native trees, but will also provide workshops and tree planting events for the students on a regular basis. Engaging the youth in nature conservation activities through these holistic principles secures a sense of connection with the donors. Hence, donors are supporting more than just the planting of trees; they are establishing a long-term educational and training program as well.
Ibsar’s 2nd Annual Auction – 35 native tree lots This year’s annual auction was attended by many of the same faithful participants as well as newcomers eager to make their bids. The event took place at the same favored venue, the Gruen Eatery in Clemenceu’s Gefinor Plaza on March 15th, 2010. Dr. Salma Talhouk welcomed the guests and proceeded to introduce the Center’s Power of Planting program aims and objectives before giving the floor to professional auctioneer Nada Boulos. In its first auction, individual lots were based on services trees provided, such as clean air, water and shade with a total of 20 lots. This year’s lots were individual native species of trees and shrubs, each with a story of its history, use and importance. A total of 34 lots were auctioned off, with a few starting at 1,000,000 LL, for a total of nearly $13,000 US. Ibsar would like to thank the donors as well as the staff that helped make another successful auction!