By Zayed Alzyoud
The University of Jordan (UJ) School of Agriculture on Monday marked Arbor Day at the University’s Agricultural Research Station in the Jordan Valley (Al Ghor), under the patronage of UJ President Prof. Nathir Obeidat.
The event coincided with a special meeting of the Council of Deans at the station and was attended by several Board of Trustees members, along with directors of UJ units and departments and station staff.
Participants planted saplings across the station’s grounds, with one tree planted for each school and UJ unit, in a gesture aimed at promoting shared environmental responsibility and reinforcing sustainability awareness across the University community.
Following the ceremony, Obeidat and attendees toured the station’s facilities and reviewed a range of agricultural and research projects, including a Dutch smart greenhouse where seedlings are cultivated using hydroponic techniques. They also visited plastic greenhouses and received briefings on cultivated crops and production methods.
The tour included a tropical plants greenhouse, where several rare varieties are being tested, including the Kent mango variety, passion fruit (Passiflora), Thai dragon fruit and Turkish fig, in addition to citrus orchards.
Obeidat also visited the animal production section, stressing the importance of strengthening research projects and improving work mechanisms in ways that support students and researchers and enhance UJ’s animal production capacity.
He said the Arbor Day celebration reflects the University’s drive to link academic work with field practice, support applied agricultural research and expand green initiatives with educational and community impact.
Dean of the School of Agriculture Prof. Hadeel Ghazzawi said the event provides a hands-on training environment for students, helping them develop practical skills and strengthen professional readiness. She added that the station serves as a living learning and research hub for both students and researchers.