Tree Planting at the Mae Jemison Science Reading Room

September 15, 2009

Mae Jemison students help plant South Africa’s “Tree of the Year,”

Over 70 high school students crammed into the Mae Jemison Science Reading Room’s auditorium to hear Sci-enza director Rudi Horak and two of her interns discuss international ozone day and arbor week.

They also presented the “Tree of the Year,” acacia galpinii, and the two “Rare Trees of the Year,” halleria lucida and pterocarpus rotundifolius. Afterwards, the pupils helped plant an acacia galpinii and a halleria lucida, as well as two portulacaria afra trees -- noted for their carbon-storing capabilities. 

The program raised  awareness of the environment and climate change, and was one of the highlights of a packed year of programming at Mae Jemison.