Planting season is a busy time for Rodney volunteers getting ready to plant thousands of trees and plants over winter.
Rodney Local Board Chair Phelan Pirrie says environmental restoration remains a top priority for the board and community, and that includes local planting days which require support.
“Our volunteers have a busy three months ahead of them, with large areas to plant out, and a short season in which to do it.
“Lending a hand is what it is all about. Our students are leading the way and signing up to plant trees in parks near their schools.
“Planting days are a great opportunity to give something back to our community and with just a few hours of hard work, you are making a positive contribution.”
Parks with large planting areas and planting dates are:
- Matheson Bay – 2 July
- Helensville River Reserve – 31 July
- Riverhead War Memorial Park – 20 August.
Other planting sites across Rodney (excluding school planting sites) include Fairwater, Kowhai Park, Sesquicentennial Walkway, Kumeu River Reserve, Riverhead's Victoria St, Wellsford Centennial Park, Omaha Quarry Reserve, Kaukapakapa Library Reserve, Te Whau Walkway and Puhoi Pioneers Park.
A decade-long volunteer in the Rodney District, Tim Armitage is a great advocate for conservation and plays a key role in encouraging rangatahi / youth to get involved at local parks. Tim is Chair of Restore Rodney East, Deputy Chair of Forest and Bird Warkworth, Head of Pest Free Warkworth and supports Friends of Awa Matakanakana.
“Planting is an essential part of our multi-pronged approach to restoration. Not only does planting play a key role in forest regeneration but it also helps reduce sediment and provide other major benefits to the environment.”
Ways to get involved
To sign up for a planting day, visit facebook.com/aucklandparks, tiakitamakimakaurau.nz or contact Auckland Council on 09 301 0101 and ask for your community park ranger.
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