ISFODOSU and National Botanical Garden commemorate National Tree Day

Santo Domingo.- In a bid to raise awareness about the critical role of trees in environmental conservation, the Instituto Superior de Formación Docente Salomé Ureña (ISFODOSU) and the National Botanical Garden (JBN) celebrated National Tree Day with a series of educational and recreational activities.

Participants included teachers and students from the ISFODOSU campuses in Santo Domingo (Félix Evaristo Mejía), San Pedro de Macorís (Juan Vicente Moscoso) and Santiago de los Caballeros (Emilio Prud’Homme). Activities featured talks, technical demonstrations on planting and tree care, games and sensory experiences led by JBN technicians.

Miguel Ángel Guevara, National Coordinator for ISFODOSU’s Bachelor’s Degree in Biology oriented to Secondary Education, delivered the opening remarks. He emphasized the importance of integrating direct environmental engagement into the competency-based curriculum, enhancing the teaching-learning process through practical field experiences.

Olga Lidia Rojas, head of the JBN’s Environmental Education Department, discussed the significance of National Tree Day and urged citizens to reflect on the impacts of global warming and other environmental threats.

The event began with a presentation titled “Ecosystemic Function of Trees” by Carlos José Berroa, a student from ISFODOSU’s FEM campus. He highlighted the essential roles trees play, including producing oxygen, cooling the environment, reducing noise pollution, and preventing soil erosion. He called for collective efforts in tree conservation.

The event was attended by 30 ISFODOSU students, 10 teachers, 50 students from the Open University for Adults (UAPA), and technical personnel from the participating institutions. (Photo: ISFODOSU)

Biologist Yommi Piña, a technician from the Botanical Garden’s Exploration and Taxonomy department, delivered a talk on “Felling and Burning of Native Species and Their Conservation in the Dominican Republic,” featuring a video documenting harmful deforestation practices.

Following the talks, Carmen Peguero, head of the Nursery Division of the Horticulture Department, conducted demonstrations on tree planting and care techniques. Additional activities included games and group dynamics led by Gianna Pol, head of the Conservation Division of the Botany Department.

Jacqueline Nolasco from the JBN’s Environmental Education Department guided ISFODOSU students through sensory experiences at the Bamboo Cathedral in the Japanese Garden, encouraging activities such as walking barefoot on grass and hugging trees.

The day concluded with a didactic ride on the electric train, guided by Jonathan Báez, head of the Public Services Division.

Held in the Orchid Hall of the Environmental Education Department, the event was attended by 30 ISFODOSU students, 10 teachers, 50 students from the Open University for Adults (UAPA), and technical personnel from the participating institutions.

ISFODOSU reaffirmed its commitment to environmental protection and the conservation of natural resources through these activities.

On August 21, 1957, President Héctor Bienvenido Trujillo Molina established National Tree Day via Decree 2944, designating the first Sunday of May for the celebration. Although the decree has been repealed, the tradition continues to be observed annually on May 5th.