Last year (2023), as part of The UWI’s 75th anniversary celebration, staff, students, alumni, and members of the Forestry Department collaborated to plant 75 new trees at the Mona Campus on October 6, 2023 in observance of National Tree Planting Day. Among the species planted were Pride of Barbados, West Indian Ebony, Cupressus and the native Jamaican Silver Thatch. A census in late December 2023 determined a survival rate of 85% for the seedlings planted. The seedlings are now thriving saplings, exhibiting vibrant foliage, with some doubling in size since their initial planting and others showing first blooms. This success proves the effectiveness of our careful species selection and maintenance efforts. Plans are in place to replace seedlings that were lost due to a variety of causes.

The FST and its Beautification Committee, the conceptualizers of this tree planting initiative, remain committed to this project as it aligns closely with the principles of environmental stewardship and sustainability. This is particularly significant as we celebrate Earth Day on April 22, 2024. Let us use this occasion to inspire others to join us in safeguarding and climate-proofing our environment.

Photo caption: Thriving saplings planted on October 6, 2023 in celebration of The UWI 75th Anniversary.

Follow the Faculty of Science and Technology on Instagram @uwimona_fst and on Facebook at The Faculty of Science and Technology, The UWI Mona. For inquiries, WhatsApp us at 1-876-552-4691, call us at 1-876-927-1660-9, or email us at fst@uwimona.edu.jm.