Tree planting binge

After all the input given by concerned residents of Ara Damansara, Sime Darby Property has committed that they have taken it all into account and planning the rehabilitation of our parks according to expert advice.



A recent walk through one of our lakeparks shows that tree-planting is already beginning here. A back-hoe machine was seen digging holes for the planting of trees, forest trees I hope, and a variety of it too. I've learnt from a very reliable source that Sime Darby has embarked on a mega reforestation initiative with help from Tunas Harapan, a tropical forest nursery somewhere in Tg Malim. I'm so excited, I can hardly wait for the trees to be in the ground and by the end of next year start, give the park the majestic look and feel of a tropical rainforest. And can you imagine the variety of birds that will visit and nest in this area. I am thrilled beyond belief.


Already along the banks of the silted lake, a large tree, looks like a Saga (red-seed) weaver birds are roosting, their elegantly woven nests hanging works of natural art. I hope the landscaping doesn't destroy this tree.


The trees that should be wiped out of our surrounds are the ubiquitous acacia, not indigenous and a voracious coloniser, pushing out precious indigenous species, so sensitive to the conquering nature of the acacia. But I really don't know about planting trees so close to the lake edge so soon, before the lake has been dredged and rehabilitated. I do fear that after some beautiful species are planted here, their fine specimens may be destroyed in giving way for desilting works. I'm hoping that planning does take place before development


What I would really like to see, is what I was reminded of in Bali recently. No wasteland seen there. If a piece of land was cleared of its natural vegetation, for development which has yet to happen, the land is cultivated with meaningful agriculture either rice paddies or orchards. Not just left to waste and turned into a dumping ground for people too lazy to dispose of their rubbish responsibly.


There's much to be learnt from any country we visit, if only we are not too proud to admit that knowledge and wisdom comes in all shapes, sizes and sources. None superior to the other, just helping everyone grow in harmony with our creator.