In just over two years, we have planted over 160,000 trees - all over the world, but never before on European soil. This changed on March 30, when we planted around 500 trees in our home region of Lenzburg together with 50 motivated volunteers in spring-like conditions.
In just over two years, we have planted over 160,000 trees - all over the world, but never before on European soil. This changed on March 30, when we planted around 500 trees in our home region of Lenzburg together with 50 motivated volunteers in spring-like conditions.
Sunshine, warm temperatures and motivated helpers: the best conditions for NIKIN's first tree planting day. And although this was certainly not our last, we would still like to give you a little insight with this article and say THANK YOU again to all the helpers! In particular, we would like to thank the foresters Markus Dietiker, Roger Studer and the forestry apprentice Lukas Weber. Without your commitment and trust in us, this event would not have been possible. Thank you for that!
As you probably already know, NIKIN has trees planted in cooperation with OneTreePlanted wherever (re)afforestation is necessary. However, our native forest must not be forgotten. That's why we decided to hold an event at which our employees, but above all our customers, are given the opportunity to plant trees themselves. The Lenzia forest district agreed to provide us with an area of forest where we could carry out our planting campaign. Due to the bark beetle and consequently several storms, a number of trees had to be felled on the site, making it a suitable place for reforestation. We planted 400 oaks, 40 yews and 40 silver firs, which were already waiting to be planted in the form of bare-rooted trees or as seedlings in pots.
Due to capacity, we had to limit the number of participants at the first NIKIN Tree Planting Day to 50 motivated tree planters. However, this is set to change for future tree planting days. After the tree planters from all over Switzerland gathered in the Lenzhard forest, everyone was first given an exclusive volunteer tree shirt and a treeanie. After a brief welcome by Nicholas and Robin, the participants were instructed by the three foresters on how to plant the trees correctly. Markus Dietiker emphasized that the hole must always be adapted to the plant and not the other way around. To protect the trees from game, two acacia posts (made of Swiss wood, of course) had to be hammered in to the right and left of the plant. A strong net was pulled over them and fastened to the wood with four cable ties each. As the 480 holes had already been drilled by the foresters in advance, the planting could begin.
After 1.5 hours of digging, hammering and planting, everyone enjoyed a refreshment in the form of biscuits, fruit and tea. After the break, Markus Dietiker explained to us about the different types of trees and their importance in the Swiss forest. The forester also told us that their forestry operation works with a permanent forest, i.e. that all stages of development (smaller trees, middle layer with a height of between 10-20m and upper layer) can be found in a small area. If for some reason a Tree from the upper layer has to be felled, the next one from the middle layer is already waiting.
In the second half of the day, the tree planters once again gave their all and, together with the foresters, ensured that each plant was planted correctly. This could be checked with the "moose test". This involves plucking the young plant. If the tree does not loosen, it has been planted with sufficient anchoring - and therefore correctly.
Once all the yews, oaks and silver firs had found their new place in the Lenzhard forest, the first - but certainly not the last - NIKIN Tree Planting Day was toasted with a cool beer and sausage, or a vegetarian alternative.
Thanks again to all the helpers for their commitment, but also to the foresters for their support! Here's to many more tree planting days that are just as beautiful!
Enthusiastic tree planters from all over Switzerland, great weather and a common goal made for a great atmosphere and an unforgettable day. It will not be the last time! Many thanks for your commitment!
