Greenpop is on a mission to (re)connect people with our planet. Its method? To plant trees and have fun doing it.
The annual Greenpop Platbos Reforest Family Fest aims to protect and grow the Platbos Forest, where tree-planting efforts are coupled with a fun camping weekend filled with family-focused activities, and opportunities to learn, connect and give back in this beautiful forest setting.
Platbos Reforest Family Fest, 8 to 10 May 2015
Greenpop is excited to announce that it'll be hosting the Platbos Reforest Family Fest for the third year running. This weekend it will bring families together to (re)connect with nature and each other. The festival sees about 150 children and adults join together to plant trees, experience the ancient forest, learn through fun family activities, participate in a talent show, and much more! It’s a fully catered weekend, so all you need to do is pack your tent (or rent one from Greenpop), pile the whole family into the car, and get ready for a weekend of family time ... in nature.
Platbos Forest: where the magic happens
Platbos Forest is home to trees that are over 1 000 years old. This ancient forest is part of one of the most rare and endangered ecosystems of the Western Cape, with a unique mix of indigenous trees from coastal regions and mountainous regions. Platbos Forest is situated near Gansbaai in the Overberg region, about two hours out of Cape Town.
Like many forests around the world, parts of the Platbos Forest have been cleared in the past to make space for farming and cattle grazing. As a result, dense invasive alien vegetation has taken over and inhibits the indigenous trees from growing back.
To support the owners of Platbos Forest, Melissa and Francois Krige, in their Trees for Tomorrow Programme, Greenpop hosts the annual Reforest Family Fest, where thousands of indigenous trees are planted. Since these endemic trees are adapted to droughts, they are able to keep out dangerous fires. They also serve as a food source for bird and animal species dependant on the unique natural ecosystem for survival.
Join Greenpop for the Platbos Reforest Family Fest to plant thousands of trees and really learn about this incredible ecosystem through fun, hands-on games and activities. This family fest (not just family-friendly, but family-focused) creates an unforgettable experience of (re)connecting with nature, and having fun!
Activities and facilities: what to expect
Families arrive on Friday for a delicious meal around the campfire, some campfire activities and an early night. Saturday is all about tree planting, education and getting dirty. In the evening, Greenpop runs a talent show and provides some live music (ending by 10.30pm). Sunday is a day to really experience the ancient forest and get involved in activities such as:
- Educational forest walks
- Fun games to explain the trees and ecosystems to the whole family
- Hula-hooping, children’s yoga, slacklining
- Interactive musical sessions and instrument making
- Arts and craft sessions like leaf rubbing, stick whittling, insect drawing, etc.
- A talent show
- Treasure hunts
- Face painting
Two Oceans Aquarium staff will also be there! We will be doing talks on one of our environmental campaigns, Rethink the Bag, and bringing the popular puppet shows that take place in the AfriSam Children's Play Centre to the festival: Keep the Beach Clean and I Love Turtles.
To celebrate our Mother Earth, Greenpop will have a special Mother’s Day tree-planting session on Sunday 10 May. Bring your mom for Mother’s Day!
About the Greenpop Platbos Reforest Family Fest
- Dates: 8 to 10 May
- Fully catered from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch (child-friendly and buffet style)
- Bring your own tent or rent one from Greenpop
- All ages are welcome
- Activities are planned (so no fuss!)
- Both adults and children will be inspired, stimulated and connected
