Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1521709
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 2 JUNE 2024 5 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 921. White Poplar MOST of our trees are evergreen as Maltese winters don't particu- larly distress them (no snow, frost, frozen ground, etc.). But we do get a few deciduous species and one of these is the white poplar (M. luq), the tree that gave Buskett's valley its name: Wied il-Luq. The white poplar stands out not only because of its tall stately presence but also because its silvery bark evokes that Tolkienesque feel. Poplars love damp streamy valleys so they're not too common in generally bone- dry Malta. But in places like Buskett, Wied il-Qlejgħa, Fiddien and Girgenti, a line of white poplars indicates the course of the valley. These trees are beautiful even when leafless but just as fascinating in leaf. Their leaves are dark green above and white underneath, and their long, thin, flexible stalks shiver at the slightest breeze, giving a flickering mesmerising effect. Friends of the Earth Malta is holding Nature Camp for Youth! The nature camp will be a space where young people get lifelong expe- riences with each other and nature. We will spend a weekend together in the amazing location of Xrobb l-Ghagin, enjoying the nature while doing fun activities, such as kayaking and cooking together. Join us to take a break from the busy city life and enjoy the nature and the com- pany! A more detailed agenda will be sent close to the date. For more information or questions, please email info@foemalta.org with subject line Nature Camp. The Nature Camp, from Friday 14 June to Sunday 16 June, is open to young people living in Malta from ages 18-30. The event will be held at Xrobb l-Ghagin. Food will be provided (vegetari- an/vegan), please indicate any dietary requirements in the registration form. Victor Falzon www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 792: Register here: https://foemalta.org/event/naturecamp_24/ Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as information about how to join us. You can also support us by sending us a donation – www.foemalta.org/donate Don't miss this A Little Loving Hurts No One On June 6 Place: DATE (Art Café) Laugh till your sides hurt! On June 6th, 20:00 at Date Art Cafe, enjoy a stand-up comedy show with Mustafa Algiyadi. Expect joy, great company, and delicious drinks. Ticket includes a welcome drink and appetizers. No age restrictions. Mustafa's humor ranges from silly to dark. Check his website. Date Art Cafe: where life is a date. Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member EquestriMalta Cawnpore Cup 2024 On June 15 Place: Malta Equidrome Experience the thrill of the EquestriMalta Cawnpore Cup at the Malta Equidrome on Saturday the 15th June, 2024. Join us for an evening featuring polo matches, live entertainment, food, drinks, and a dedicated kids area. Don't miss out! Secure your tickets here, or get in touch with the Malta Polo Club for exclusive VIP packages. A GOOD WEEK Good Week/Bad Week A BAD WEEK The first official painted portrait of King Charles III since his coronation has been unveiled at Buckingham Palace. The vast oil on canvas shows a larger-than-life King Charles in the uniform of the Welsh Guards. American actor Johnny Wactor has been shot dead in Los Angeles by a thief who was trying to steal a part from his car. The 37-year-old suffered fatal injuries after interrupting three men who were attempting to remove the catalytic converter from his parked vehicle. The vivid red work, measuring about 8ft 6in by 6ft 6in, is by Jonathan Yeo, who has also painted Tony Blair, Sir David Attenborough and Malala Yousafzai. Wactor - who previously featured in the US soap opera General Hospital - was pronounced dead early on Saturday.