On 2 September 2025, Overstrand Municipality teamed up with Whale Coast Conservation (WCC), the Paddavlei Eco-Group (PEG) Committee, and 120 enthusiastic learners from Hawston Primary School to plant 28 Milkwood trees in the Paddavlei area of Hawston.

The ever-passionate Sheraine van Wyk from WCC shared her knowledge with the learners – showing them how to plant and care for trees and explaining why trees are so important for a healthy environment.

Marco Cornelius, Overstrand Municipality’s Senior Field Ranger in Hermanus, summed it up perfectly: “It wasn’t just about getting dirty – it was about celebrating nature, learning new skills, and making our environment better with these milkwoods now rooted in the vlei.”

Tree planting efforts will carry on throughout the month.