On Wednesday 19 March 2025, we came together to celebrate the conclusion of the annual Tree Planting Day season in Zundert. With a programme full of education, sustainability and cooperation, pupils, tree growers and involved organisations made a significant contribution to the greening of the region. Once again, the event was a sequence of meaningful and memorable moments.

After the bus company dropped off the children, the manager of the Coöperatieve Vereniging Treeport, David Bömer, welcomed them. This was followed by short, informative and at times humorous speeches from Jolanda van Hasselt (agrobiodiversity working group), Corné de Vooght (Rabobank De Zuidelijke Baronie) and councillor Ellie Kools (municipality of Zundert).  

Prize winners of drawing contest ‘Draw your Heroes’ Lane’

The most exciting moment of the festive morning was the announcement of the results of the ‘Draw Your Heroes' Lane’ drawing contest. The children were clearly engaged and gradually moved closer to the stage. It was a difficult choice, but the jury, which included councillor Kools, selected five winning drawings. These were by Ashley Akkermans, Moos van Erck, Luca Keijzers and Dex Poppelaars, Evi van Assel and Kaylee Oomen, and Faya Su. They each received a gift voucher for a garden centre. The artworks of these winners will be on display at ROOTZ in the coming period, where visitors can admire them. 

Heroes’ lane: tribute to icons from the tree nursery industry

A special moment of the day was the symbolic planting of three trees on the Heroes' Lane. These trees were planted near the wadi along the cycle path on the BCT grounds as a tribute to three individuals who have made a significant contribution to the tree nursery industry in Zundert:

* Quercus palustris (pin oak) for Peter van de Wiel, former councillor of the municipality of Zundert and driving force – planted in     part by Corné de Vooght and five children.

* Liquidambar styraciflua 'Worplesdon' (sweet gum) for Louis van den Broek, the first chairman of the Treeport Association             planted by councillor Kools and the winners of the drawing competition.

* Tilia x europaea 'Pallida' (common lime) for Leo Duijndam – planted by the family of this former board member of the Treeport    Association.

From now on, new trees will be planted annually on the Heroes' Lane to honour meaningful individuals from the industry. The lane will eventually consist of 25 trees.

Focus on education and biodiversity

In addition to the tree planting, 129 pupils from the Sint Bavo and Sint Antonius primary schools rolled up their sleeves. Under the guidance of Treeport’s agrobiodiversity working group and volunteers, they filled planting containers with herbaceous and perennial plants, learning in a playful way about soil structure and biodiversity.  

The theme of biodiversity was also a focus of the lessons given in the lead-up to Tree Planting Day. Children learned about different tree species, propagation techniques and the role of biodiversity in nature. Using videos and practical examples, the knowledge was conveyed in an interactive manner. 

Working on a green future together

The celebration was a great success, thanks in part to the efforts of everyone involved. With appreciation to all pupils, teachers, volunteers and organisers, this was once again a special day. Together, they contributed to a greener and more sustainable future. Photos and highlights have already been shared on social media. 

The organising committee for the annual Tree Planting Day celebration includes: trade fair GrootGroenPlus, the European Plant Support Foundation, the Coöperatieve Vereniging Treeport Zundert and Treeport BCT Partners BV. They are supported by Rabobank De Zuidelijke Baronie and Stichting Nationale Viering Boomfeestdag (the National Tree Planting Day Foundation). It is clear that these organisations are committed to promoting the planting of trees and shrubs, and that involving young people in this process is vital to the future of the natural environment. 

The next local celebration will take place in March 2026. Joining the organising committee and/or contributing in another way is possible. Companies, organisations and associations can get in touch via info@grootgroenplus.nl.