Citizens team up with the City of Ruse to transform ex-junkyard into a forest

In the first phase of the project, the organisers will plant 150 trees on the periphery before gradually reforesting the main trash mound

This Sunday, a non-governmental organisation called ‘SaGrazhdani’ (Citizens) and the City of Ruse in Bulgaria will start a multistage project to turn the former local junkyard into a forest and recreation area. According to the city administration, this is a long-term project that includes the planting and maintenance of different tree species like linden trees, oaks and pines.

The whole project will be completed with volunteers from the community and in the first phase the organisers will provide 150 trees and the necessary equipment to plant them. Likewise, anyone who wants to take part in the initiative can bring their own trees and digging tools.

From a junkyard to a natural paradise

The first phase of ‘greenification’ in the old Ruse dumping ground will start at the periphery and move inwards with the gradual build-up of biomass from the trees. ‘SaGrazhdani’ aim to cover the entire garbage mound with a thick cover of trees, expediting nature’s recultivation of the territory. They also urge every citizen of Ruse to leave their green mark on the city’s history.

The organisation desperately needs manpower though, because planting an entire forest is no easy task. At the same time, they are ready to provide would-be foresters with the necessary resources, tools and scientific expertise to pull off the ambitious task.

They also provide detailed instructions on how to properly plant tree saplings. First of all, the roots of the sapling must not be bent. Second, the soil around the newly-dug hole needs to be compressed as to not allow for air pockets. Air bubbles can enable rotting.

Third, part of the sapling’s trunk needs to stay beneath the earth, but burying too much or too little can again enable a rotting process. Last but not least, the young tree needs to be watered immediately after planting, which will help remove air pockets and aid the soil adhere to the roots. The watering phase should be carried out regardless of the meteorological conditions.