By The Star Staff
The organization Para la Naturaleza will distribute 25,000 native, endemic and fruit trees free of charge on Oct. 6 and Oct. 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., as part of its commitment to reforest the archipelago of Puerto Rico, reduce the effects of climate change and minimize heat waves.
“We urge all people to join La Siembra; in this way we contribute to reducing the effects of climate change and we get closer to improving air quality, protecting ecosystems, preventing coastal erosion and combating heat waves, in addition to beautifying the landscape,” said Ahmed Pérez, superintendent of reforestation at Para la Naturaleza, in a written statement.
Trees will be distributed simultaneously at six locations: Para la Naturaleza Nursery in the North Botanical Garden in Río Piedras, Hacienda La Esperanza Natural Reserve in Manatí, La Guancha in Ponce, Centro de Visitantes de Medio Mundo and Daguao in Ceiba (former Roosevelt Roads base), Antiguo Club de Leones in Barranquitas Isidoro García Park in Mayagüez.
People interested in obtaining their trees should reserve the day and time of collection through the website, pln.org/lasiembra. On the website, participants will find information on locations, available species and recommendations of which species they should plant for their place and space. Each person can collect up to four trees.
The distribution will be drive-through and more than 80 species will be available depending on the locality and inventory, including: native oak, acerola, guava, button mangrove, soursop, coffee, currant, maga, mamey, beach grape and many others.
“Trees are our best allies in the face of the environmental challenges we face. The shade of a tree decreases heat up to 10 degrees,” said Rígel Lugo, communications director for Para La Naturaleza. “In addition to beautifying the island and providing fruits that nourish communities, trees contribute to the local agricultural industry, supply aquifers to generate drinking water, prevent flooding, improve air quality and serve as a shelter for local wildlife. They are also an invaluable legacy for future generations.”