A group of the Volunteers of La Mata (Asociación de las Rutas y Caminos de la Sal) recently had the opportunity to be taken to Valencia to see an exhibition, which included a huge poster showing the work the Volunteers have done over recent months in the Natural Park of La Mata-Torrevieja.
The group first visited the Research Centre where plants are propagated. A huge tent was full of bigger plants and trees, which had been grown according to the natural conditions in which they live and are being observed for any problems. The procedure for this was explained to us.
We were delighted in the next tent to see small plants, which had been propagated, either from cuttings or from seed, which had been taken from plants at La Mata. These little plants will then come back to La Mata next spring to be used in the re-planting programme in which the Volunteers will once again be involved.
In the laboratories we saw how seeds are taken, dried at different temperatures and investigated for possible germination. We were amazed to find that even a tiny seed has a character all of its own and that some will germinate but not all.
In the dry river bed in Valencia the Exhibition Hall had a number of large posters showing the environmental work which is being done all over Valencia province. This was most interesting as there are many facets of this – restoration of environment, breeding birds, rescuing tortoises and so on. And there we were in several large photos, pulling cat’s claw from areas of the Natural Park! All our back breaking hard work recorded for posterity! It is a good feeling to know that we are taking part in a larger project and doing our best to help safeguard the environment.