Branching outTrees for Energy is the theme of this year's National Tree Week which begins tomorrow. More than 300 free public events will take place across the country. These include forest walks, seminars, talks, workshops, tree planting ceremonies and exhibitions.
National Tree Week is organised by the Tree Council of Ireland which has an exhibition on trees at ENFO, 17 St Andrew Street, Dublin until March 31st. More than 15,000 trees will also be delivered to schools and community groups by local authorities throughout the country. Free event guides are available from O2 stores and Coillte offices. Dorothy Hayden, president of the Tree Council of Ireland says, "The aim of National Tree Week is to raise awareness about trees and encourage local communities to participate in the events around the country during the week." Contact 01-2849211 or trees@treecouncil.ie. See also www.treecouncil.ie.
Meanwhile, the broadleaf tree charity Crann will celebrate National Tree Week with the planting of 100 native oak trees in Belvedere Estate, Mullingar, Co Westmeath. Visitors welcome - bring your wellies.
Turning over a green leaf
A new magazine on sustainability will hit the shops next week. Published by the Westport-based Sustainability Institute, the magazine is a serious, expert-led journal on subjects such as green building, renewable energies and sustainable communities.
Entitled Sustainability, the first issue has a foreword by Frank McDonald, Environment Editor of The Irish Times and includes
articles such as "A Short History of Global Warming", "Water Based Transport" and "Harvesting Energy from Waves".
For postal copies, contact Andy Wilson on tel/fax: 098 26281 or e-mail info@sustainability.ie
More power to your garden
Did you know that approximately 20 per cent of Dublin city's area is made up of private gardens? Just one small fact taken from the impressive draft version of the Dublin City Biodiversity Action Plan 2007-2010. In it, you can find out ways in which you can improve the city's biodiversity (short for biological diversity) in your home, your community, at work and at play. The plan is currently open for public comment.
Get your copy by contacting Siobhan Egan, Dublin City Biodiversity Officer, Parks and Landscape Services, Dublin City Council, Wood Quay, Dublin 8. Suggestions on the plan must be received by March 20th. Contact 01-2223400 and biodiversity@dublincity.ie
Mapping the future
Green maps illuminate the interconnections between society, nature and the built environment, helping residents get involved and make smarter lifestyle choices while also guiding visitors to successes they can replicate back home.
So said Wendy Brawer, founder of the green map movement which has witnessed the development of online and printed healthy-living maps for cities all over the world. In Ireland, there are green maps available for Cork, Galway and Dublin.
Check out www.greenmap.com for green maps of places you plan to visit this year.