30 Ideas: a good use for invasive plants
In 2021 we are marking 30 years of WLI cooperation by sourcing 30 neat ideas from WLI members. Today we hear from Shenzhen, China.
Title: Using the wood from invasive plants
Description: Invasive trees were becoming a problem at Futian Mangrove Ecological Park in Shenzhen, China. The Mangrove Foundation organised group activities to remove the invasive trees. After removing the trees, the staff of the Mangrove Foundation realised the thick roots and stems that have been cut can be of great use. They cut the thicker roots into wedges and turned them into table name-tags.
Learning and conservation outcomes: efficient resource use
Audience: corporate visitors
Cost: low
Key themes: invasive species; arts
Equipment/resources required: wood-working; paint; sign-writing
Now, when visitors attend important meetings at the park, they are able to appreciate the natural look of the name-tags and at the same time learn about the benefits of removing invasive species.