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The product involves a joint effort by Scientific Services and Conservation Management staff members who package cans with the necessary contents to grow and plant indigenous trees. These recyclable cans are mainly supplied to schools and nurseries in the Lowveld region who are interested in growing indigenous trees at a discounted rate.

Enclosed in the content of a “Can for Conservation” are the soil – which is a mixture of organic compost and river sand, gravel – for drainage at the bottom of the can, instructions – on how to get started, information – on how to grow tree seeds and an information brochure about the Skukuza Nursery. The seeds for the Acacia Xanthophloea (commonly known as the Fever Tree in English and Nkelenga in Tsonga) which is the 2010 Tree of the Year and is easy to grow are also included on the “can for conservation”.

“We mainly target school children and the idea is to encourage them to grow and become citizens who are aware of the need to plant and maintain trees that are indigenous to South Africa,” said the Skukuza Nursery Manager, Michele Hofmeyr. The production process for a can for conservation is a thorough exercise however the team from the Nursery and Game Processing Plant (led by Januario Fernandez) have made it easier with their dedication and team effort since the beginning of the project; acknowledged Michele.

There has been a demand for the “Can for Conservation” product recently with organizations that are into greening initiatives ordering these in bulk. Anyone can purchase the product directly from the Skukuza Nursery at a retail price of R10 and the contact person is Michele on (013) 735 4312 or email:[email protected]

The Skukuza Nursery has a wide selection of indigenous trees, shrubs and ground-covers suitable for gardens and is situated in the Staff Village 4km from Skukuza Camp. The nursery operates seven days a week between 7:00 and 16:00 weekdays and between 08:00 and 16:00 over the weekend (also on public holidays except Christmas Day).