Our projects all aid in the conservation of our historic oak trees. We are constantly busy with various projects ranging from planting new trees during arbor week,
to establishing flower beds under our oaks and more recently a fun run in the shade of our trees to raise awareness for the trees.
National Arbor Week takes place annually in the first week of September. During this time, we plant at least one oak tree in the oak avenue. This event coincides with the Gimmie-Volkie Derby. We purchase locally grown trees to ensure our trees grow healthily in the climate they were propagated in.
This is an extensive and ongoing process through which we monitor each tree in the avenue. We work with various stakeholders to create an updated map of the avenue, marking and numbering each tree. A database has been created to monitor tree health, and we continually check and update the status of our trees. The database includes a photo of each tree, and a comprehensive outline of its condition. This enables us to identify potential hazards that affect the trees, assisting us in taking steps when necessary.
We started this initiative in 2023. Through this project, we encourage grade 5 groups from local primary schools to propagate their own oak trees as part of their Natural Sciences curriculum. This project aims to raise awareness of the importance of the oak avenue, and assist in educating learners on how to propagate tree seeds. Acorns are collected from trees in the oak avenue, and our local botanist, Chris van Niekerk, demonstrates how to plant them to have the acorns germinate. We follow up with schools throughout the year, and give awards to the learner with the tallest seedling, as well as the other learners who managed to germinate their acorn.
The annual Volkie-Gimmie Derby “Sponsor a Tree” project, launched by the Potchefstroom Chamber of Commerce in 2022, encourages businesses and the community to sponsor oak trees. These are decorated in the corporate colours of the respective schools and adorn the Oak Avenue during the traditional sports week, celebrating sportsmanship and unity.
“The Oak Avenue is a symbol of Potchefstroom’s history, unity, and growth,” says Juanita Smit, former Chamber chairperson. This initiative reflects the Chamber’s dedication to impactful community projects. As part of National Arbor Week, Gimmies and Volkies also join in planting new trees, continuing the legacy.
Many of the oaks’ bases are covered by paving and compacted soil, which affects their health. Our trees grow optimally when they are surrounded by other plants. We, therefore aim to make flowerbeds around them, making it easier for water to filter through to the roots. Many residents and businesses in the oak avenue support us by making flowerbeds on the sidewalks and planting plants such as agapanthuses. Contact us if you have an oak tree and want to know which plants are good companions.
In 2024 we hosted our very first OAKtober Family Fun Run to raise awareness of the oak avenue. We hosted this event with Potchefstroom Central School to celebrate their centenary, and Eduvos served as our main financial sponsor. The route stretched a total of 4.8 km, from Cachet Park CID to the Dam and back. The event was a massive success, and we hope to host this event annually in October, making it a month of raising awareness and appreciation for the oak avenue.
Join our dedicated partners who have supported us every step of the way. If you or your business are interested, reach out to us.
