Dig deep, it’s planting time
Over the winter months, thousands of plants will be put into Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park - at least 600 every session.
The 60-hectare park, located on the outskirts of Hamilton, is an awardwinning, inter-generational ecological restoration project.
Established in 2004, the long-term aim of Waiwhakareke is to reconstruct the natural forest, wetland and lake ecosystems present in pre-European times.
Intensive predator control will allow vulnerable species to flourish in an urban environment and spill over to other parts of the city.
Throughout summer, volunteers and the Friends of Waiwhakareke, worked hard to keep weeds down.
Friend Catherine Smith said despite some bad weather conditions, members of the community still rallied together to assist in the cause.
And, with the annual Arbor Day planting approaching on June 1, it’s a chance for more volunteers to dig deep.
Arbor Day planting at Waiwhakareke has grown significantly, with more than 2500 people attending the 2015 event.
It has developed into the largest community planting day in the city.
Ths year’s theme is ‘‘Wetlands are Cool,’’ and will be coordinated by Hamilton City Council’s Gerard Kelly.
For information, visit the council website or email tui2000inc@gmail.com.
Winter sessions will be held between 9am and noon on the last Saturday of the month: May 26, June 30, July 28, August 25, and September 29. Bring a spade, morning tea, and wear sturdy shoes or boots.