A Day Out Planting Cedars

On a warm 23 April day, a determined group set out for a cedar planting expedition in the Cederberg. The team included James Joubert from Bosdorp, Dwayne Farmer from Wupperthal, and Steven Bekker, a volunteer all the way from the Netherlands. Their shared goal: is to plant Clanwilliam cedar saplings and contribute to understanding the species’ resilience in challenging conditions.

The day began with a 7km hike to the planting site, a rugged stretch of rocky terrain spanning about 0.5 hectares with a 250m elevation climb. Despite the heat, the team’s enthusiasm didn’t waver. The site was much drier than ideal for planting, but this was intentional. Testing these saplings in less-than-optimal conditions would provide valuable insights into their ability to survive and grow with minimal moisture—a critical factor in determining their potential for recovery in arid zones.

The group worked tirelessly, carefully planting each cedar and securing it against the rocky soil. As the sun began to set, the saplings stood as hopeful symbols of resilience and restoration, marking another step in the effort to preserve this critically endangered species. The day was not just about planting trees but also about planting knowledge and hope for the future.