The IITA Forest Centre, Ibadan
The IITA Forest Centre is located at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture headquarters in Ibadan, Nigeria. It was created on the 1st of January 2015 to succeed the Forest Project. The Centre is an attractive site for tourists who want to explore nature reserves, learn and grow. At the IITA Forest Centre, tourists are allowed to learn more about various species of plants and trees, participate in the tree planting programs and birdwatching sessions organized by the reserve. Apart from its attractions, the Forest Centre manages and utilizes forest resources for conservation, research and education. The forest unit covers 350 hectares of land out of 1000 hectares owned by IITA.
The IITA Forest Unit has through support got from the IITA and other donors developed several sections in line with its broad area of focus. They include:
The IITA Forest Reserve
The IITA Forest Reserve is the largest forest fragment of the IITA Forest Centre. It is the best protected and only urban forest in the southwestern region. The forest reserve includes natural landscaping features such as wetlands, farmlands, gardens, lakes, and ponds, which altogether provide habitat for different species of plants and animals that have faced decline due to constant development of the surrounding city. It holds over 450 different plants, 272 birds, 236 butterflies, 48 mammals and 28 reptiles and amphibians, asides others yet to be discovered. The reserve is particularly recognized across the world as an Important Bird Area (IBA), a reason the Forest Centre focuses on birds through their various programs. The Centre runs an Ornithological Monitoring project, organizes the Ibadan Bird Club and other bird-related activities for Schools Conservation Clubs, carry out IBA monitoring as well as hold workshops for young Ornithologists and birdwatchers.
Botanical Nursery
The Botanical Nursery produces native trees for reforestation and ornamentals for landscaping. The Nursery holds over 130 indigenous plants, including fruit trees, potted plants, hedges, grasses, traditional Yoruba medicinal plants, vegetables and an array of ornamental plants for home and office decoration.
Tree Heritage Park
The Tree Heritage Park serves as protection to rare and threatened Nigerian trees. With support from donors, the IITA Forest Centre has successfully propagated 31 endangered species in their Botanical Nursery and have stored surplus seeds in the IITA Genetic Resource Centre. Additionally, over 20 species of trees have been planted in the Tree Heritage Park. The park also features 50 different Nigerian trees, planted during the IITA@50 week celebrated in July 2017.
Forest School
The Forest School combines environmental education with optimum relaxation and pleasure. This section welcomes visitors of all ages including schools, families and special interest groups. Tourists can join in for as long as they choose to appreciate and enjoy the natural world. Creative facilities and special features at the Forest School includes Outdoor classroom and learning through play areas, Natural History Gallery, Guided walks around lakes, forest and gardens, campsite, fire pit, picnic pavilion and canopy observation tower.
Other sections at the IITA Forest Centre includes the Ornithological Monitoring, to monitor the IBA more effectively, and the Ethnobotanical Garden for cultivation, propagation and display of plants of practical and cultural importance to the Yoruba people.
Ever visited the IITA Forest Centre? You are welcome to share with us.