Thirty-six mature trees were added to the university's dormitory buildings on Friday. They were planted by volunteers from among Czech and foreign students of Palacký University (UP).The event was organized by the UP Volunteering Centre in cooperation with the UP Accommodation and Dining Services (SKM).
Eight linden trees, five birch and dogwood trees, four hawthorns and ash trees, three cherry trees, two pear trees, willows and mountain ash trees and one apple tree have been beautifying the surroundings of the dormitories in the Envelopa area, in Neředín, in Chválkovice and at the UP Sports Hall since Friday.
"We managed to get a subsidy under the National Environmental Fund's appeal and we received almost CZK 250,000 for the purchase of 49 trees and the materials needed for planting. The first round of planting took place on Friday and we would like to plant the remaining trees by the end of November," said Libor Kolář, director of the SKM, adding that beautifying and greening the surroundings of the dormitories and canteens is one of the long-term priorities for the SKM. "Last year, for example, we planted a bed of honey-bearing roses in front of the Bedřich Václavek dormitory, and the year before that we planted a number of shrubs behind the main canteen," he added.
The UP Volunteering Centre provided 10 Czech and 10 foreign volunteers for planting directly on International Arbor Day.
"The main idea was to involve students in beautifying the surroundings of the dormitories where they live, and also to connect domestic and foreign volunteers who are registered with us," said UP Volunteering Centre Manager Vladimíra Sedláčková. The volunteers' task was to dig a hole and plant a tree about 180 cm high, hammer in stakes and attach the tree trunk to them. "Everything was done under the professional supervision, among the student volunteers were also selected those who interpreted for others. We provided the volunteers with gloves and snacks, the Accommodation and Dining Services supplied work tools and, finally, a good lunch as a thank you," Sedláčková added.
The event was held in parallel with the premiere Employee Volunteering Day, when university employees helped with planting and maintaining greenery at other locations in the region.
