Project Update: October 2007

Total plants planted between August and 5 th October 2007 = 10, 240

The growth of the plants in Schools and in Nature (Wild plots ) is very encouraging. We have done replacement plantation in Schools.

Three nature camps have been organized so far. Kids are very happy, we have done plantation of native trees in the camps, collection of garbage and burning/disposing it in all forest areas. Bird feeders were also installed in some areas.

Students did paintings of Nature in the camp, Plant and bird identification was organized on the trail.

A Wildlife Photo exhibition was organized (on 2 nd October 20070 At Kumari Tejal Damji Velani girls high School. All the students of 12 Schools and villagers, common men, farmers, teachers (over 1000 people) visited the exhibition where 275 rnlarged pictures of birds, plants, mammals, reptiles and butterflies were on diplay. News media gave a very good coverage of the exhibition.

We have plans to organize such exhibition for all nine talukas (sub-district0 Schools of Kutch district.

On 31 st October 2007, a one day Nature camp was organized at Phot Mahadeo Forest of Kutch. 55 Students and 10 supporting staff took part in the one day Nature camp.

The camp participants were the young kids age from 10-15 years. Teachers also took active interest in the camp.

Following activities were carried out

1. Plantation of Neem saplings 20 in the vicinity of the temple by the students and teachers
2. Collection and burning of Garbage – Lesson to students that no littering should be done by any one and we must keep our natural heritage in pristing conditions.
3. Nature trails along the river bed and in the thorn forest. Collection of garbage from the river side.
4. One hour program by kids and teachers – in which songs related to nature conservation, tree plantation etc, were sung by kids. Information was given in much relaxed atmosphere under the shades of the trees.

Students and Teachers of Nani Virani School thanked the Rufford Small Grants Foundation and CEDO for arranging the Nature camp.