The tree-planting day of the ENO (Enviromnent On Line) virtual school for sustainable development will be held on May 22nd 2009 around the world. (www.ENOtreeday.net [1]) The tree-planting event has taken place since 2004 and it has proven to be a success: for instance, in 2008 the event inspired children in 2000 schools and 122 countries to take the challenge. Altogether 300,000 trees were put into the ground during one day. The trees belonged to species intrinsic to each ecosystem.

The theme of next Friday will be biodiversity and future. The tree planting will not remain a single event, but the trees will be cared for and their growth and development will be watched in the future as well. The planting can be documented and the experiences shared via the virtual school. The tree-planting event is a practical way of enhancing international environmental education. It connects children all over the world to focus on environmental issues. What is more, the event fosters peace education and increases the awareness of school children of the importance of forests on a global scale.

The planting of trees will take place everywhere at noon local time. The first to start is Oceania and as the sun and Earth continue to turn, Asia, Africa and Europe will join in as well. Some time later the continents of North and South America will grab the hoe, and last area to participate will be Samoa Islands. The world has taken a remarkable step towards a more ecological way of life.

Here in Charlottesville, the tree planting will take place in Albemarle County at Monticello High School at noon on Friday May 22nd. Meet at 11:45 right in front of MHS and walk down to the biofilter and help celebrate diversity.