Changes in the Sebwe river flow demonstrate the influence of trees.
The Rwenzori Founders riverine forest meets the banks of the Sebwe river. In previous years, floods had swept away some of the banks on the plot and formed a small grassy island with river water flowing both sides. Our tree planting continued and the trees helped root the bank more securely. But waters have been fierce and continued to rage past hard this latest flood season.
Our large fig tree with its 'feet' in the water began to lean dangerously. There was an attempt to chop it to rescue some of the wood. It was however, part of a swirling change of the water flow that resulted in stones and sand being re-deposited, with the river finally choosing to take the easier, outer-edged path on its course, where only the reeds and elephant grasses kept hold of the banks.
The result is a gratifying gift from mother nature: She has returned the mini island to the Rwenzori Foundation plot.
After a suitable settling period to let the stones and river bed-down, plans are to replant the area, so treasuring her gift by extending the forest, and assisting the river to enjoy her new meander. Have we been thanked for restoring the forest? It certainly feels that way.