Kiwanis Clubs join forces on tree planting to bolster eroding east coast

Volunteers from Barbados’ four Kiwanis Clubs mobilised on Saturday to plant trees along the erosion-prone Ermie Bourne Highway, part of a collective effort to defend the island’s fragile eastern coastline from rising environmental threats.

Guided by dendrologist Nigel Jones from the National Botanical Gardens, volunteers planted 50 sea grape and coconut trees near Barclays Park, an area known for soil erosion. The initiative, led by Kiwanis Club of Barbados North president Mike Archer, brought together members from the Barbados North, South, Benevolence and In Action clubs, who worked for nearly two hours from 7 am.

Archer, said the project demonstrated the organisation’s values of service and stewardship. “Community service and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. By planting these trees today, we are helping to protect our coastline for future generations,” he said.

He also thanked the Kiwanis Club of Bridgetown for donating the plants and noted that phase two of the project is being planned for later this year or early next year, with the goal of involving youth groups in the effort.