Teaching botanical skills

This month, LEAF continued its outreach programme, helping to train students in botanical skills. As part of our outreach strategy, we taught techniques, such as specimen collection and pressing. As part of our programme, we shared important information about conservation of the East African coastal forests and how LEAF are helping to restore this biodiverse forest. Many of the individuals were keen to learn more and hope to volunteer with us again soon.

The first week of this month also saw the visit of a taxonomist from the National Museums of Kenya headquarters who helped us to tag all of the trees in our botanical garden and restoration site. This exercise also served as a mini-survey for seeds from indigenous trees around the Pwani University grounds. Different trees which are currently fruiting have been identified for collections once the fruits are mature. This will help further diversify our nursery.

Meanwhile, most of the seeds we had propagated have now germinated. Just to mention a few , 45% of Commiphora eminii, 35% Hymenaea verucosa, 23% of Haplocoelum inoploeum have germinated and have been transplanted. Despite this success, we are facing a challenge from monkeys that are eating some of our seeds immediately after they have germinated. To combat this challenge, we are installing a chain link fence around the shade house to prevent them from entering. Insects have also become a problem for some of our seedlings. We are closely monitoring them to find out which specific insects are affecting the seedlings so that we know the exact approach to take. For now, we are removing the galls from the plants to prevent the insects from overwhelming the plants.

Finally, last Wednesday our botanist team had the privilege of visiting Kuruwitu Conservancy to prepare for their upcoming outreach programme to the communities around the relics such as Chasimba rocks. The visit was a success and they learnt several key messages to present.