Water is necessary for survival and the scarcity of this precious commodity leads to drought, which has a direct bearing on life in general, and vegetation in particular. Vegetation means greenery, and the loss of this vital component in our lives translates into misery all around. Therefore, the initiative of planting trees in the nearly 149-year-old Balboa Park in San Diego is praiseworthy.
The drought had taken a heavy toll of the green cover and efforts are on to bring back the all-important green cover to allow nature to flourish and bring back the birds and bees.
It seems 10% of the nearly 15,000 trees in the park have been lost to drought and this is a sizeable number with severe repercussions for the flora and fauna.
The action plan
Los Angeles Times reports that the Balboa Park does have a certain range of trees like palms and blue gum eucalyptus. However, plans have been drawn up to introduce diversity and to include in the park many other types. This has been announced by Mayor Kevin Faulconer who is keen to add to the charms through the "Tree Balboa Park" effort. The number of trees has reduced drastically because of the drought and it is necessary to restore the green cover by planting more trees that will provide shade and will also be a boon to the environment.
The abundance of greenery will help to absorb the carbon dioxide, which leads to global warming and is emitted from the exhaust of vehicles. Trees will keep the air clean and Councilman Chris Ward added that the investment to bring back the greenery will not go waste but will be a huge boost to the health of the park. The project will start with the planting of approximately 500 trees which will include a modern style of irrigation.
Funds that have accrued from the state's cap-and-trade carbon tax receipts have been allotted from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the city is ready to match this amount with funds from contributions.
Loss of ecological balance spells danger
The action plan to rejuvenate the Balboa Park is an attempt to maintain the ecological balance that has been disturbed.
The solution to the scarcity of water is to go in for plants that do not require too much water for survival. They should also absorb more carbon dioxide and help create natural shades for picnickers and those who love to be in the open. Based on this logic, the authorities have selected fourteen species and have done away with non-native and water-hogging species. The planting is expected to begin in October.
The Balboa Park is a reminder to those who have doubts about global warming and its adverse effects. They need to realize that it is something that cannot be ignored because loss of green cover is a recipe for disaster and must be prevented.
