When the autumn colours start to show around the basin, it is the sign that native planting season is on!
The Whakatipu Reforestation Trust (WRT) has been operating since 2013, working to grow and plant native trees and shrubs throughout the Whakatipu Basin, with 125,000 plants in the ground to date, the impact is starting to add up.
The Trust’s keystone sites are located on public reserves and are prepared each autumn and spring for the community to plant of native trees and shrubs. As these sites become established, they will help to form an ecological corridor through the Whakatipu Basin, providing food and shelter for native wildlife.
The organisation’s success is powered by volunteers. From propagating and nurturing plants at the community nursery in Kelvin Heights to arriving at planting days in force, volunteers have been the superpower driving the action. Thanks to their work, our vision of a basin that hums with native biodiversity is becoming a reality.
This autumn, two successful planting days have already been held at Whitechapel Reserve and Slopehill Reserve with 2500 new natives planted by community volunteers into these keystone sites.
WRT is running one last planting day on Saturday, 3 May at Lake Hayes Pavilion where they will be planting 1000 more. We’re putting these new lower growing plants in from the pavilion toward the rowing club. And don’t worry if you don’t know your corokia from your coprosma: this event requires no previous experience. We’re all about sharing the knowledge of what grows here and why. A lot of the hard work is done, with all holes pre-dug. All you need is a pair of gloves and everything else is provided, including a delicious morning tea provided by the fantastic team at the Hilton!
For those interested in contributing to local conservation efforts, this event offers an opportunity to make a difference while learning about native plant species and their importance. Planting days are a fantastic example of community spirit and a great way to meet like-minded people. If you would like to get involved at the WRT nursery or come to a community planting day, check for more details on social media or their website www.wrtqt.org.nz.
Last Autumn Planting Day:
Saturday, 3 May: 9am – noon. Lake Hayes Pavilion.
