Last November 30, 2012, we went to Lemery, Batangas for our Outbound Education Class. My experiences there was great because it was my first time to do such things like planting a mangrove tree and snorkeling around the sea observing at the beautiful coral reefs and fishes. Our first stop was in the Mangrove area. Next is in the Port Area, where we first experience snorkeling and observing the species. And the last is we took a boat ride to Binukbok Resort, wherein compare with the Port Area, species here are much better and very beautiful.
Do you have any idea on how to plant a Mangrove tree? To me, I thought that they’ll be just giving us seeds and just put it in the ground then that’s it. But I was wrong. Before planting a Mangrove tree, be ready to yourself that you’ll get dirty because the place is very muddy and if you don’t wear boots, you are required to take over your footwear if you wish not to get it dirty.
Planting a Mangrove tree is very easy but a tiring activity. There are four ways on how to plant a Mangrove tree. First, find or look for a wide place where we can plant the seedlings. Second, dig up a deep hole in the muddy soil where each of the seedlings will be placed. Third, we remove the bottom of the plastic of the seedling where the roots can be found. And lastly, each of the seedlings should have one bamboo stick beside them to tie them up using of straws, so that when the sea water enters in the Mangrove area, the tree will just stay still to its place and to keep its balance.
After the tree planting, Sir Galza gathers us all to have a short lecture there about the Mangrove tree. He tells how important they are to our environment and to the other species, and what does it contribute to the ecosystems. This tree has an important role that considers as a best form of coastal bio shield since this can help in reducing the impact of cyclonic storms, hurricanes and tsunami on human lives and properties. It acts as habitats of wildlife, and as a nursery ground for commercially important fish, prawn and crabs and supplying organic and inorganic nutrients.
Moving to the Port Area, the species are mostly dead especially the corals and it is very rare to see some fishes. There are also many sea urchins that will make you scare and panic because you think that they’ll go near you. In Binukbok Resort, the species is very much different than the other one. It has a lot of colorful fishes and corals. And they are all alive. We even fed the fishes there while snorkeling and it was the best experience ever.
After all this experiences, it makes me wonder how beautiful our nature is. I feel so grateful that I’ve been to this once-in-a-lifetime-experience. God is so great to make these things stunningly and perfectly. This nature is in our control now, so we should be aware on possible things that can give harm to our environment.
♥ CAPTURE WORLD OF BEAUTY ♥ 