The team of “Plantar o Futuro” went to the greenhouses of Câmara Municipal de Estarreja, in Avanca, in order to prepare the autochthonous trees that will be delivered to newcomer students of Aveiro University.  This year we’ll count with new species, mostly “riparian” ones, being them Ash (Fraxinus Excelsior), White Willow (Salix Alba) and Black Poplar (Populus Nigra), joining to the well known, the  Oak (Quercus Robur) and Black Alder (Alnus Glutinosa), which were delivered and planted in the previous edition.

This year the plantations are going to be in the area around the Vouga River, therefore we opted for riparian species, usually present in transition areas between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. They are particularly important due to their capability limiting the proliferation of unwanted algae, while also preventing the fertilizers, pesticides and other pollutants from contaminating the water. Furthermore, they provide shelter and food to the terrestrial and aquatic faunae, promoting the incrementation of biodiversity.  

As a result of the success of last year’s edition, this year our team put their hands to work earlier and with the help of the Associação Académica da Universidade de Aveiro, our volunteers and members of Núcleo de Estudantes de Biologia went to the greenhouses of Casa Museu Egas-Moniz, in Avanca, to  transplant 2000 trees into flower pots. We had also the presence and help of Núcleo de Cinema e Fotografia to register these moments. 

Along two very productive weeks our volunteers divided themselves in multiple chores. Firstly we prepared the dirt used in the transplantation process, with a mixture of common dirt and enriched substrate. Later on, we had the transplantation itself, that is, putting the trees from the cuvettes (?) into the flower pots, using prepared mixture. Lastly, the transportation of the trees into a proper place, where they’re going to be kept and watered during the summer until being ready to be delivered to the students.

Simultaneously we are preparing an informative booklet which will be delivered along with the trees. Not only will it have instructions about how to keep and care for the trees, but also will it have information about the portuguese autochthonous forest and invasive species.

This action has as main goals the promotion of sustainability of forest ecosystems, as well as the sensibilization to the importance and value of the portuguese autochthonous forest.

To keep up with all the stages of the project, check out our Facebook.