In just over two years, we have planted over 160,000 trees worldwide, but never before on European soil. This changed on March 30th when we, along with 50 motivated volunteers, planted around 500 trees in our home region of Lenzburg under spring-like conditions.
Sunshine, warm temperatures, and motivated helpers: ideal conditions for NIKIN's first tree-planting day. And although this was certainly not our last, we still want to give you a small insight and thank all the helpers once again! In particular, we would like to thank foresters Markus Dietiker, Roger Studer, and forestry apprentice Lukas Weber. Without your commitment and trust in us, this event could not have been realized. Thank you for that!
As you surely know, NIKIN, in cooperation with OneTreePlanted, plants trees wherever reforestation is necessary. However, our native forest must not be forgotten. That's why we decided on an event that offers our employees, but especially our customers, the opportunity to plant trees themselves. The Lenzia forest district agreed to provide us with a forest area where our planting campaign could be carried out. Due to the bark beetle and several subsequent storms, some trees had to be felled in the area, creating a suitable place for reforestation. 400 oaks, 40 yews, and 40 silver firs were planted, which were already waiting in the form of bare-root saplings or potted seedlings to be planted.
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 will change at future tree planting days. After the tree planters, who traveled from all over Switzerland, gathered in the Lenzhard forest, everyone was first equipped with an exclusive Volunteer TreeShirt and a Treeanie. After a short welcome by Nicholas and Robin, the participants were instructed by the three foresters on how to perform a correct planting. Markus Dietiker emphasized that the hole must always be adapted to the plant and not vice versa. To protect the trees from wildlife, two acacia posts (naturally made of Swiss wood) also had to be hammered in on the right and left of the plant. A sturdy net was pulled over them and secured to the wood with four cable ties each. Since the 480 holes had already been drilled by the foresters in advance, planting could begin.
After 1.5 hours of digging, hammering, and planting, everyone was happy about a refreshment in the form of cookies, fruits, and tea. After the break, Markus Dietiker informed us about the respective tree species and their importance in the Swiss forest. The forester also told us that their forestry operation works with a continuous forest, i.e., that all developmental stages (smaller trees, middle layer with a height between 10-20m, and upper layer) are found in a small area. If a tree from the upper layer has to be felled for any reason, the next one is already waiting in the middle layer.
Even in the second half of the day, the tree planters gave their all and, together with the foresters, ensured that every plant was correctly inserted. This could also be checked with the "moose test." The young plant is tugged. If the small tree does not loosen, it has been planted with sufficient anchoring - and thus correctly.
After all the yews, oaks, and silver firs had found their new place in the Lenzhard forest, a toast was made to the first - but certainly not the last - NIKIN Tree Planting Day with cold beer and sausage, or a vegetarian alternative.
Thanks again to all the helpers for your commitment, but also to the foresters for their support! Here's to many more equally beautiful tree planting days!
Enthusiastic tree planters from all over Switzerland, great weather, and a common goal created a great atmosphere and an unforgettable day. It won't be the last time! Many thanks for your commitment!
