Projects and programmes

Tree planting

Creating a greener, more tree-rich campus does not only have an aesthetic purpose – it also increases the resilience of landscape systems, by cooling down urban areas and helps carbon sequestration. 

Creating opportunities for the university community to actively take part in the planting of the trees on campus, encourages interactions with nature and instils ownership of the environment.  It creates the opportunity to be part of a living legacy and brings the issue of reducing our carbon footprint closer to home.

Managing conservation and creation areas

The Stellenbosch Mountain, Duthie reserve, Koloniesland, and Eerste and Krom rivers are managed as ecological green areas with the emphasis on fire management, recreation, sport, research, conservation, and increased biodiversity. These areas are important green spaces contributing to the sustainability of the campus.

The Invasive and Alien species programme ensures the cleaning of invasive seedlings and coppice.

Landscapes

Special focus is placed on the inclusion of indigenous and endemic vegetation in Stellenbosch University landscapes to reflect the natural biome.

• Plant and tree selection in landscape projects and major upgrades continues to reflect the ecology and microclimate of the site to reduce the water requirements of the landscape.
• Compost and on-site chipping are practiced, which produces mulch and used in the landscapes as a sustainable practise
• Design of landscapes were changed in certain areas to capture run-off water and filter into soil
• Design of the extension of the NMT route in Victoria Street is planned.

What can you do to help:

• Respect and conserve our natural areas.
• Do not litter.
• Use the nature walks and routes and our recreational facilities.
• Join tree-planting and invasive clearing events.
• Join community clean-up events.
• Join the food garden initiatives on campus.  

Contact the Service Desk (021 808 4666) for further information or send an e-mail to groen_green@sun.ac.za.