Notwithstanding last Saturday's inclement weather, Din l-Art Ħelwa officials met Minister for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate Change Leo Brincat, Majjistral Park chairman Sammy Vella, Mellieha Mayor John Buttigieg, Fernando Docampo from Middlesea Insurance Co. Ltd and other personalities for the inauguration of a new grove at Xaghra l-Hamra, within Majjistral Park.As if to augur well, there was a lull in the stormy weather just as all stood at the site where the Minister and Simone Mizzi, executive president DLĦ, planted yet two more trees to add to the 200 which had been planted by volunteers of Middle Sea Insurance Ltd and MSV Life.  Olive, carob trees and lentisks were among the indigenous species planted. Ms Mizzi said that this event opened the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Din l-Art Ħelwa which was created to safeguard both the historic-cultural heritage of Malta and its natural environment.  She said it was a sad fact that open spaces in our countryside are being encroached upon and she appealed to the minister to do all within his power to protect these open spaces where bio-diversity can thrive. "Trees", she said "stop soil erosion and provide habitats for birds."Minister Brincat said that half a century of work is a praiseworthy milestone. DLĦ was created at a time when there was little awareness for the protection both of the natural and the built environment and he commended the organisation for its perseverance. He stated that government will continue to encourage the Board of Majjistral Park and is appreciative of initiatives by private entities such as Middlesea Insurance plc and MSV Life for sustaining environmental activities. Mr Vella, the new chairman of Majjistral Park expressed his appreciation for Din l-Art Ħelwa's untiring work and stressed that the Park is for the people's enjoyment.  He invited those people who spend all week in offices and classrooms to go there in their free time to enjoy the fresh air, open spaces and the bio-diversity of the park area. "This place", he said, "used to be a dumping site. Now it is hoped that more and more people will appreciate it, learn to love and care for it and feel that it belongs to each and every one of us."