Tree Seedling Planting on Former Sand Mining Land in Sokokarang Hamlet, Pagergunung Village, Kendal, Central Java
Mr. Ardyan Pramudya Kurniawan, M.Si., a lecturer from the Biology Study Program at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, collaborated with 11 students from the 2016 UIN Sunan Kalijaga cohort to organize a Community Service activity with the theme of ‘Greening’ as an effort to preserve the environment in Sokokarang Hamlet, Pagergunung Village, Kendal, Central Java. This activity took place in July 2019, involving community members such as village officials, community leaders, and youth from Sokokarang Hamlet. The event was structured around five main concepts: land selection, seedling determination, planting techniques, care methods, and community engagement. The primary goal was to reclaim vacant land through reforestation to prevent it from becoming arid again. The activity was successful, as evidenced by the enthusiastic participation of community members who independently planted seedlings in their yards. A total of 13 types of seedlings were available, including avocado (Persea americana). In addition to the greening efforts, there were awareness-raising sessions for the community regarding the importance of vegetation for the environment. These sessions aimed to foster environmental consciousness, identify tree species suitable for improving the former sand mining areas, and establish an environmental monitoring group in Sokokarang Hamlet. The hope is that this initiative can continue with support from the village government, environmental agencies, and relevant institutions.