The Forestry Unit visited the Holmes Rock Junior High School — one of the newest and finest school on the island of Grand Bahama — this week to plant two Yellow Elder _(Tecoma stans)_ trees on the school grounds, marking a milestone moment in the celebration of Forestry Awareness Week. The planting ceremony, attended by students and staff, underscored the government’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable community development.

The 2026 International Day of Forests theme, *”Forests and Economies,”* served as the backdrop for this meaningful activity, highlighting the indispensable role trees play not only in ecological health but also in supporting livelihoods and national economies. Yellow Elder, the national flower of The Bahamas, was selected as a powerful symbol of pride, resilience, and natural heritage.

Flowering trees such as Yellow Elder are vital contributors to biodiversity. Their blooms provide essential nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, forming the foundation of healthy ecosystems. Beyond their ecological value, trees improve air and water quality, reduce soil erosion, provide shade, and contribute to the mental well-being of communities. Forests also directly sustain sustainable livelihoods through eco-tourism, traditional medicine, and the green economy.

By engaging young students in the planting experience, the Forestry Unit is investing in the next generation of environmental custodians. *”When children plant a tree, they plant a future.”*

The Bahamas Forestry Unit encourages all schools, businesses, and community groups to join the movement to green our islands, protect our forest, and build a sustainable economy rooted in the natural wealth of our land.

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