A ‘Know your forests’ programme was organised here recently for schools students by the Forest Department, Coimbatore Division and the Oli Awareness Movement, a non-governmental organisation.
According to a press release, 25 students from classes VIII to XII, were taken to Catherine Falls in Kotagiri, and later on a trek to Longwood Shola, also in Kotagiri.
Dr. Gopalan, a retired scientist from Botanical Survey of India, explained to the students the characteristics and the significance of shola forests.
The names of various trees, plants and shrubs in the forest were identified for them.
The students were also urged to protect forests.
“The aim of the programme is to bring the younger generation closer to forests and to make them realise that forests are gifts to men. It is our duty to conserve them,” said Conservator of Forests (Coimbatore Circle) I. Anwaruddin
The department would organise such trips to Siruvani, Barlikkadu, and Sathyamangalam forests with environmental organisation members and scientists to accompany the students, said M. Senthil Kumar, District Forest Officer.