Join Wangari Maathai's mission for a better planet
Wangari Maathai’s tree planting efforts grew into civic education and her message evolved into big-picture concepts like democracy and governance. We hope you are as inspired as we are by her love for Africa, stewardship of the environment, and holistic approach for change. It all starts with an idea and passion, here’s a step-by-step guide to get you inspired.
1. Look at the trees around you
Look around your neighbourhood as you go about your day. Whether you’re on foot, on the bus, in the car, or on a commuter train, observe the location, size, crown, leaves, and textures of the different trees.
School children Planting (2020)Original Source: The Green Belt Movement
How do trees make you feel? Which ones give out a scent? What parts of your neighbourhood or town don’t have trees? What are the names of the trees you see?
2. Plant a tree
Studies show that planting trees can make streets more walkable, reduces crime, saves energy and water bills, and improves air and water quality.
A young man holding a tree ssedling (2017)Original Source: The Green Belt Movement
Tree planting spaces!
Possible locations to plant trees include your yard, the tree strip in front of your house, or a local park. Choose a tree that gives back to your community. Fruit trees, flowering trees, native trees, drought tolerant trees, or bird and wildlife habitat trees, bring many benefits. Water, sunlight and soil quality affect a tree’s wellbeing. Obtain permission before planting a tree outside of your private property.
3. Plant an indigenous tree
Indigenous (native) trees are tree species that have evolved within the climates and ecosystems of a particular place. Trees imported from other places can become uncontrollable, and they compete for nutrients, water, and sunlight with indigenous trees.
Grafting a plant (2020)Original Source: The Green Belt Movement
The Eco-system!
By planting indigenous (native) trees you link them to the vast web of life, bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals. You create better homes for birds and wildlife. You also reduce demands of watering and help prevent aggressive weeds from spreading.
4. Keep a tree journal
Use a sketchbook or grid notebook to express your thoughts and record your observations about trees.
Fruits Farming (2012)Original Source: The Green Belt Movement
Keep samples of leaves and pressed flowers. Make sketches and paste in photos of favourite trees to your journal.
5. Map the facts
Making a neighbourhood tree map can be a particularly fruitful group and educational activity. A tree map helps identify and prioritise what you can do in your own community.
A young Lady planting (2019)Original Source: The Green Belt Movement
Determine the area and criteria (type, condition, and location) to be used as the basis for your tree map. Print a street map of your neighbourhood from an online map. Note the locations and conditions of the trees in your neighbourhood. Take photographs and detailed notes of the areas of shade and sun. Convey how trees contribute to the general atmosphere of the neighbourhood. Record the relationship of trees to people and buildings.
6. Look at trees online
In the comfort of your home or library, check out your neighbourhood using online maps. Type your address in the search bar and locate your neighbourhood on the map.
Seedlings at the nursery (2017)Original Source: The Green Belt Movement
To get a bird’s eye view of the tree canopy, click on the “aerial” option. Click and drag the mouse around different parts of town. Do you notice a difference in canopy cover in different areas?
7. Join the movement
Join a tree-planting project or look for a nonprofit or government agency organizing a tree campaign. Consider becoming a member, volunteer, or staff member of a local group.
School Children planting trees (2017)Original Source: The Green Belt Movement
If you have a tree-related concern about your neighbourhood, share it with other people. If a tree effort doesn’t already exist, create a group online. Search for tree groups and enthusiasts all over the world.
8. Learn more about Wangari Maathai
Watch the feature-length documentary film 'Taking Root: The Vision of Wangari Maathai' by Alan Dater and Lisa Merton, or read her books to be inspired.
During her happy momentsOriginal Source: The Green Belt Movement
Connect tree issues to community concerns
In Kenya, the disappearance of trees is connected to the drying up of streams, loss of source of firewood, malnutrition of children and many other life and death issues. What does the absence or loss of trees mean to your community?
On a field visit to one of the water towersOriginal Source: The Green Belt Movement
Connect local issues to regional and national issues
Wangari Maathai links problems in her local community to the national problems caused by Moi’s dictatorship, the commoditization of natural resources, and the colonial legacy in Kenya that eroded traditional values which had protected the environment. What issue in your community is rooted in a national—or global—issue?
Nursery Preparation (2019)Original Source: The Green Belt Movement
Connect issues to systemic causes
Understanding how local networks work—and don’t work—can help you identify effective solutions. Identify three different local issues and establish how they are related to one another.
Learn more by downloading the action guide.
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