Folks,
Our Arbor Day run-up series is an appropriate time to talk about planting techniques, and Réné Décime is a serious steward of the CODEP Method.
First, he will say, it’s about creating the right conditions. The actual infrastructure – the land – has to be shaped. And that takes a tremendous amount of work. Ditches have to be dug for water catchment. Ramps have to be banked as a way to step-terrace the steep land.
Digging and shaping land is one thing. It’s another when the land is rock hard. It is often nicknamed “moonscape” because it lacks nutrients and much texture. It takes muscle and good tools to shape it for planting seedlings.
Four years ago a generous donor gave us $10,000 for picks and shovels. They have been a huge help but, of course, they have taken a beating from the “moonscape.” For Arbor Day, consider sending a gift to CODEP. Supplies such as fertilizer, trowels, shovels, and picks are crucial for its success.
Michael Anello, Executive Director
Réné walks along a trench demonstrating how deep they have to be. Now consider how much digging it takes to plant half a million trees every year!