Community Native Tree Planting
By Karen O’Donahoo
Restoring our native biodiversity one tree at a time
The Whakatipu Reforestation Trust invites the Queenstown community to join their volunteer native tree planting days throughout September. Planting native trees is a great way to celebrate the start of spring, by helping to restore our native biodiversity & mitigate climate change.
Since 2015, the WRT has planted over 75,000 native trees and shrubs in areas that were once infested with broom, gorse and other invasive weed species. At Whitechapel Reserve (QLDC), over 18,000 native trees and shrubs have been planted so far, with another 1500 ready to be planted on the 2nd September. The spectacular transformation of this reserve is just one of the many native corridors along the Queenstown Trail where locals and visitors can enjoy the beautiful ecosystems that once flourished throughout the Whakatipu Basin.
With over 5000 plants ready to go into the ground this spring, WRT needs as much help as they can get!! All holes are pre-dug making tree planting even more fun and enjoyable! No experience is needed, just drop in any time from 9am onwards.
Morning tea & hot drinks kindly provided by the awesome team at the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa, and we will be celebrating the start of planting season with a community sausage sizzle at Whitechapel (GF & vegan friendly of course!).
What to bring: Gardening gloves, hat, good footwear, water, sunscreen and a desire to leave a green legacy for future generations.
To participate in the planting events or for more information, please contact: volunteer@wrtqt.org.nz, or check the website for more details: www.wrtqt.org.nz/get-involved
Planting dates & locations:
Saturday 2nd September | 9am – 12 noon | Whitechapel Reserve, Arrow Junction
Saturday 9th September | 9am - 12 noon | Lake Hayes Pavilion
Saturday 16th September | 9am – 12 noon | Mill Creek Tributary, Slope Hill Road (access off Speargrass Flat Road ONLY)
Saturday 23rd September | 9am – 12 noon | Quail Rise (Jims Way) Community Planting
Saturday 30 September | 9am – 12 noon | Bush Creek, behind the Chinese Village