City Lab Leiden plants 450 trees for 450 years of liberation and the university
City lab Leiden has launched a green initiative in celebration of the 450th anniversaries of "Leiden's liberation and Leiden University": the planting of 450 trees. The official launch took place on 4 October at the Hortus Botanicus, just one day after the annual 3 October celebration and 125 days ahead of Leiden University's milestone anniversary.
A gesture that symbolizes the future
The City lab calls on residents and organizations to commemorate the historical moments of October 3, 1574 (Leiden liberation) and February 8, 1575 (the founding of Leiden University) together with a future-oriented action. The planting of 450 trees serves as a symbol of the city and the region's enrichment. In addition, trees not only contribute to the ecological benefits, but also to symbolism around peace, remembrance and renewal.
Planting the first trees
The first of the 450 trees was symbolically presented by the Hortus Botanicus to representatives, including Rinny Kooi, curator of the 3 October Association. This ‘Peace Tree’ grew from seeds originating from a tree that survived the atomic bomb in Hiroshima in 1945. Hortus Botanicus Leiden is one of the few places where this special tree is cultivated worldwide. The second tree, a sweet chestnut, was presented to a representative of Leiden University and the educational organization "Natuurwijs". In the coming months, various locations in Leiden and the surrounding area will be designated for planting the remaining trees.
Collaboration and implementation
This initiative by City lab Leiden aligns with the anniversary celebrations of "Staatsbosbeheer", which is marking its 125th year and organizing the annual ‘Tree Festival Season’. This season, running from November 20, 2024, to March 19, 2025, will be dedicated to planting 450 trees. The City lab itself will contribute fifteen trees as a symbol of its 15th anniversary in November 2024.
Fourteen Leiden institutions and organizations are invited to plant fifteen trees each, collectively accounting for 225 trees. The remaining 225 trees can be planted by Leiden residents in their own gardens. Residents who wish to participate in this campaign can contact the City lab via info@stadslableiden.nl.
With this initiative, the City lab Leiden emphasizes the importance of sustainability and collaboration, putting the city at the forefront of future-oriented action, in line with Leiden's rich cultural and historical heritage.
This article is a copy of the original article, published on October 7, 2024 on sleutelstad.nl. (Text: Lydi Baelde Jansen).