Forestry dept to give out free trees to families

The forestry department will donate thousands of small trees this Saturday to families who wish to plant them in their garden.

Using the slogan “tree planting becomes a family matter”, the department announced it will provide families with free saplings to mark the beginning of Spring.

The action aims to “remind everyone, especially children, of the multifaceted role of the tree but also the need to protect and expand greenery,” the department wrote on their Facebook page.

Prior to the pandemic, the department organised events to mark National Tree Day but these were postponed due to the pandemic.

“Family tree planting will give parents and children the opportunity to share a creative activity, beautify their yards and at the same time take care of the environment,” it added.

People must send an SMS to 8998 using the option ‘other’ under the number 8 to excuse their movement to go pick up their trees from forestry stations nationwide, the announcement said.

Three young trees will be given to each family, while those arriving with their children will be allowed one additional tree for every child, it was added.

The drive through delivery will take place at 10am to 1pm on Saturday at the following points:

Nicosia: (a) Nursery of the Forest Department in Athalassa

(b) Head offices of the Department of Forests (Louki Akrita 26 – Agios Andreas – Nicosia), next to the Nicosia swimming pool

Limassol: Nursery of the Forest Department in Fasouri

Troodos Mountain Communities: Nursery of Platanias Forest Station

Larnaca: Rizoelia Forest Station

Paphos: (a) Yeroskipou Forest Station (Plutonos 1 – Paphos) (b) Gialia Forest Station

Famagusta: Cape Greco Environmental Information & Education Centre