Around 40 students from Kristin School in Albany worked together last week to improve the ecology of Unsworth Reserve.
Along with school teachers and parents, the volunteer group planted 200 native plants into the reserve as part of the Kristin School’s Enviroschools Programme.
The trees were grown and supplied by A Rocha, a Christian Conservation organisation, and Upper Harbour Local Board member Nicholas Mayne. A Rocha is part of a network of Community Restoration Groups supported by Upper Harbour Local Board.
Local board member Nicholas Mayne says the selected trees were mostly colonising species, such as mānuka and harakeke.
“We chose these species because they are hardy and also help to rehabilitate the clay-based fill ground which is common across the planting sites in the reserve.”
“Partnering with volunteers of all ages means we can achieve a lot, as well as fostering a strong, intergenerational love and sense of responsibility for our environment. So yeah, it was a massive and hugely appreciated team effort from everyone,” says Mayne.
A Rocha is currently planning another community working bee on 14 July between 9am and 12pm.
If you would like to get involved and lend a hand, contact A Rocha at Auckland@arocha.org
