“Guess what that tree is?” asked Babu, a resource person from Nizhal, to a group of youngsters who were clamouring around a tree.
“Ashoka?” ventured one brave youngster.
“No, it isn’t. It is called Nettilingam or Indian mast tree,” explained Babu. “This is because, in the olden days, the flexible, straight and light-weight trunks were used to make masts for ships. However, it is also referred to as ‘false Ashoka’.”
Over 100 eager youngsters from across Chennai learnt all this and more, at the tree walks held in four locations in the city — Ramakrishna Children’s Park, Tambaram, Nageswara Rao Park, Mylapore, Natesan Park, T. Nagar and Kotturpuram Tree Park. The resource persons were from Nizhal, a Trust to protect tree conservation.
“I had so much fun on the tree walk. It was great to learn about so many different aspects about so many different trees,” said an excited Bhavesh, while the others nodded in agreement.
Shoba Menon, Founder, Nizhal, said that the kids were an inquisitive lot and it was heartening to see how eager they were about what they had signed up for. “They learnt a mix of things. The walks were not only a learning process for the kids, but they were also exposed to activities. For instance, we gave them dried leaves and asked them to match them with the trees.”
Babu, who had taken the kids on the walk in Natesan Park, T. Nagar, said that the participants listened in rapt attention while peppering the session with questions and even raised points such as “the need to be judicious about trees”. “Trees are the world's first multi-storeyed apartments — right from the roots, shoots and beyond, and the participants understand this. They are well-informed. The fact that they used words such as “judicious” in this context, shows that they are aware of the gravity of the situation and the need to grow more trees,” he added.
At the Kotturpuram Tree Park, the children were surprised to learn that it was the Purasai trees that gave Purusawalkam its name. At one time, there were hundreds of trees in that area! Sadly, today there is just one. Trees and shrubs that were used for their medicinal properties were also abundant. It is interesting to know that the area that is now the Kotturpuram Tree Park used to be a dump yard around 10 years ago! Now, it is filled with close to 600 indigenous trees.
Enthusiastic children assembled at the Nageswara Rao Park listened in awe to Lata, the resource person from Nizhal, as she showed them Fishtail Palm trees, Frangipani, Arjuna trees and several species of palmate leaf trees. They also picked up flowers, leaves and seeds that had fallen.
It was an eager and satisfied group of youngsters who left the venues at the end of the hour-long session, vowing to contribute their bit to the green cover and raise awareness on the importance of trees.
Sponsors
The participants received certificates and goodies. The gift partner was Soulfull.
What they said
I loved learning about trees and their scientific names. I’ve never been to a tree walk before and enjoyed my first experience here. I just wish it had lasted longer. I am motivated now, more than ever, to plant trees.
Bhavesh B., III, Chinmaya Vidyalaya
Usually, when people discuss trees, it is the rare ones that are talked about. But here, it was great that Babu sir told us interesting facts about trees that we see everyday. I already knew it, but now, after the walk, I’m all the more convinced about the need to conserve trees as a lot of them are dying out.
S. Suraj, VIII, Bhavan's Rajaji Vidyashram
It was fun learning about the names of trees we see everyday and finding out their uses. Trees are nature’s gifts to us and we can’t survive without them. It is our duty to protect them. I will definitely plant some trees.
Abirami Y., V, Sacred Heart MHSS, Church Park
I enjoyed the tree walk because now, after learning their names and other aspects, I can identify them as well. One important aspect I learnt from today’s session is that trees are much like us — they can feel pain and have their own identity. We must stop harming them.
Sruthi A., IV, The Schram Academy
It was interesting learning to identify trees. However, I was shocked to know that people abuse trees by nailing advertisements and other things to their trunks! If I see someone doing this, I will tell them not to. But yes, I know people won’t listen.
J. Jayadeepika, V, Velammal Vidyalaya
I learnt the uses of trees and other interesting facts like how it is a misconception and that the Gulmohur is not the flame of the forest. I also learnt about the pollination process in fig trees. We took an oath to plant and save trees, and protect the environment. It was a different way of celebrating Gandhi Jayanti.
Joann Maria, VII, MCC Campus MHSS
It was fun learning about the fig tree, Arjuna and others as well. I also liked it that our guide told us the stories behind some trees. This was my first experience and I am now eager to go on more such walks.
K. Dharanidharan, III, Sunshine Chennai SSS
I got to know the names of trees and I immediately wanted to grow my own. It was a fun first experience.
Hrithik Roshan, VI, NSN MHSS
I have been on similar tree walks before, and I’m also familiar with the Nageswara Rao Park. It’s great to learn more about trees and nature.
Advait Gaitonde, VII, KV Gill Nagar
It's a pleasant morning and a great time to go for a tree walk. There’s lot of greenery around and this is a fun activity with friends. I want to learn more about trees and their characteristics, after this.
Shreya Chandrasekar, IV C, Vidya Mandir SSS
I had a nice time. It was so cool under the shade of all the trees. My favourite moment was when I saw a beautiful plant with red, orange, yellow and purple leaves!
Manasvi Dinesh, IV, Navadisha Montessori School
It was really interesting. Not only did I learn about trees, but I also spotted beautiful butterflies and parrots. It’s nice to come here on a holiday. You feel fresh and happy to get away from the city noise.
Zayd Rafi, IV, Unity Public School
