EARTH DAY 2025: INDIGENOUS TREE PLANTING AT KARURA FOREST

To mark Earth Day 2025, the University of Nairobi Geography Students Society (UNGSS) joined hands with environmental partners to participate in a large-scale indigenous reforestation exercise at Karura Forest. This initiative, led by Friends of Karura Forest in partnership with the Kenya Forest Service, aimed to restore the forest’s ecological balance by replacing exotic tree species with native ones. The event brought together over 3,000 participants including students, conservationists, and community members.

Objectives of the Event

The main objectives of the Earth Day activity were:

• To promote environmental restoration through indigenous tree planting.
   
• To educate participants on the ecological impact of exotic vs. indigenous tree species.
   
• To foster community involvement in urban conservation efforts.
   
• To contribute to the long-term rehabilitation of Karura Forest as a model urban ecosystem.
   

Activities Conducted

A variety of activities were organized to combine education with practical environmental action. These included:

• Tree Planting Exercise: Over 3,000 indigenous tree seedlings were planted. Species included Croton megalocarpus, Warburgia ugandensis, Prunus africana, Ficus sycomorus, and Albizia gummifera.
  
• Removal of Exotic Species: Controlled removal of invasive exotics such as Eucalyptus, Cypress, and Grevillea robusta was carried out.
   
• Guided Nature Walks: Participants were taken on educational walks to explore Karura’s biodiversity.
  
• Youth Workshops: Sessions focused on climate action, environmental stewardship, and sustainable forest management.
  
• Team-Building Games: Interactive activities were held to promote unity and collective environmental responsibility.
  

Key Participants and Stakeholders

The event saw the participation of several institutions and organizations, notably:

• Friends of Karura Forest
   
• Kenya Forest Service
   
• University of Nairobi Geography Students Society (UNGSS)
   
• Kenya Red Cross
   
• Institute of Primate Research
   
• Local community volunteers
   

These partnerships underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in achieving long-term environmental goals.

Environmental Significance

Karura Forest, one of the few remaining urban green spaces in Nairobi, faces ongoing ecological stress due to the dominance of non-native tree species. These exotic species have led to negative environmental impacts, including lowered water tables, altered soil pH, and reduced native biodiversity.

The introduction of indigenous tree species serves multiple purposes:

• Enhancing soil and water conservation
   
• Supporting native wildlife habitats
   
• Reestablishing the natural forest ecosystem
   
• Strengthening the forest’s climate resilience
   

Remarks from Organizers

“This is about more than trees — it’s about reclaiming ecological integrity,” – Representative, Friends of Karura Forest

“Environmental restoration must go beyond symbolism. It requires sustained effort, science-driven action, and inclusive partnerships,” – Spokesperson, Kenya Forest Service

Conclusion and Way Forward

The Earth Day 2025 event was a success, both in terms of participation and environmental impact. It served as a reminder that conservation is not a one-day event but a year-round responsibility. The restoration of Karura Forest is an ongoing process, and the role of students, institutions, and communities remains critical.

UNGSS reaffirms its commitment to environmental sustainability and looks forward to continued collaboration in future ecological initiatives.

Acknowledgments

The University of Nairobi Geography Students Society extends its gratitude to:

• Friends of Karura Forest
   
• Kenya Forest Service
   
• All participating institutions and volunteers
   
• The organizing committee and environmental mentors
   

Together, we continue to plant hope — one indigenous tree at a time.