SAE U.S.A - World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE)

The next tree‐planting project of the Greek‐American Foundation, “Plant Your Roots in Greece,” will take place at one of the most important archaeological sites of our country, the archaeological park of Dion, Pieria, where excavations continue and new archaeological findings are unearthed daily. Planned tree‐plantings will take place in collaboration with the society “Friends of Green of Thessaloniki.” The Foundation “Plant Your Roots in Greece” was fraternized with the Society of Thessaloniki last August within the context of the first International Conference of H.A.N.C. titled “Reviving the Delphic Idea,” which was held in Delphi.

We are especially fortunate that Greek‐Americans, in collaboration with our fellow countrymen in Thessaloniki, will plant trees in one of the most important archaeological sites of our homeland. “Our goal has always been environmental protection and the cultivation of volunteerism,” says the Foundation’s President, Mr. Th. Spyropoulos. “The presidium of S.A.E. exhibited great interest in the adoption of our Foundation’s program. We are looking forward to collaborating with all its districts in order to contribute to the reforestation of our land”.

The tree‐planting plan was designed by members of the society “Friends of Green.” The vice president of the Society and Assistant Professor of the School of Agronomy and Natural Environment of the Aristotelian University of Athens, Mr. Theoharis D. Zagas, and the General Secretary, Mr. Gregoris

K. Nikolaidis, Agronomist‐President of the Agricultural Society Macedonia‐Thrace, visited the archaeological park of Dion along with its founder, Professor Dem. Pandermalis, and his colleagues. After they toured the site, they concluded that tree‐plantings were necessary and a priority.

Mr. Zagas, in the study he submitted to the President of “Plant Your Roots in Greece,” Mr. Th. Spyropoulos, notes that the reputation of the archaeological park of Dion, Pieria, extends beyond Greek and European boundaries, and with each day it enlists new ambassadors throughout the world. There are several factors contributing to this:

-Importance of area (size, findings, ecological condition, geography of location etc)

▪Continually increasing numbers of visitors annually “Our goal,” notes the Professor “is for this area to be kept in the best condition possible through the heralding and promotion of archaeological findings and the protection of its natural environment. It is a happy occasion that for the first time there is formal collaboration between two most important scientific branches, namely Archaeology and Geo‐technical Sciences, which have, thus far, contributed immensely to the preservation of the cultural heritage and natural environment of our country.”

Alongside the archaeological findings within the park of Dion live many species of flora (oak, ash, elm, plane, alder, and willow trees, along with other riverside varieties) and fauna (badgers, ferrets, fox, rabbits, otters, various types of fish, moorhens, many birds, etc.). Many of these are threatened by extinction in our country. Consequently, the archaeological park of Dion, does not present interest only as an archaeological and historical site, but also for its ecological importance. It is our duty, therefore, to take all necessary pains for the appropriate management of the site, which should include:

- Its protection from any type of threat,

- The improvement of its aesthetic appearance and functionality,

- The offering of its services to guests within the limits of its permissible capacity.

After consultation and an on‐the spot inspection with Professor Dem. Pandermalis and his colleagues at the park in Dion, five areas were recommended for planting interventions. These are

A. South walk side of southern wall of ancient city

Species to be used vary: noble baytrees, mulberry‐trees, cherry‐trees, quince‐trees, pomegranate‐trees, pear‐trees etc. They will be planted in irregular patterns so that the resulting scenery will appear to be as natural as possible. Planting will begin shortly.

B. West walk side of western wall in two spots

Planting will take place in the fall of 2007

C. South of corridor in archaeological site

D. North, East and South of the Temple of Isida

E. Lake area at Agioneri

“Friends of Green of Thessaloniki” was founded by a group of veteran geo‐technicians, among whom are pioneer agronomist Stefanos E. Dagas, and many active citizens. It received not‐for‐profit status in April 2005 and has been very active within the urban complex of Thessaloniki since that time.