Volunteers across Upper Harbour are gearing up to plant over 8,000 native trees and shrubs in 14 parks this winter, with strong support from schools, community groups, and ecological organisations.
Upper Harbour Local Board Chair Anna Atkinson says the effort is a great example of community spirit.
“It’s fantastic to see so many groups, schools and families joining in to support the planting days and often they care for the plants afterward.
“We are proud to be a part of this, to able fund these groups from the Local Parks Ecological Volunteering Programme, and to keep working towards our goal of protecting native plants and wildlife.
“Every tree we plant is a step towards a healthier and better future for our local environment.”
Groups like the Upper Waitematā Ecology Network (UWEN) are planting over 1,500 trees at Centurion and Riverlea Reserves, while students from Avondale College and Kristen School are helping with 2,000 trees at Hoskings Reserve.
Greenhithe Community Trust is joining with local schools to plant almost 1,000 trees at Wainoni Park and William Gamble Reserve.
At Clearwater Cove Reserve, one of Auckland’s most important wetlands, Kaipātiki Project continues to restore habitat for rare birds like the Banded Rail and Banded Dotterel with the help of public planting days.
Other groups taking part include Habitat Hobsonville, Restore the Landing, Friends of Unsworth Reserve, the Herald Island Environmental Group, and Westminster School, with planting happening in parks like Bill Moir Reserve, Nimrod Esplanade, Oratau Reserve and more.
Atkinson says that everyone is welcome to help plant and care for the trees with many of planting days open to both group members and the public.
“You can also make a real difference by joining a local ecological volunteer group and helping care for your neighbourhood.”
Planting event information is available on Facebook, and while the information is correct at the time of posting, it is best to check the details again before attending.
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