“It will also build a legacy for the future, so the [kids helping today] can enjoy it in years to come.”
Among the volunteers were some resilient children who did not hold back in mucking in.
“It’s good exercise and it’s [helping to] get rid of our carbon footprint,” said 14-year-old Harry Stocker.
The council had arranged the tree planting event in conjunction with Nelmac and Friends of the Maitai as part of Project Maitai / Mahitahi, a five year project aiming to clean up the Maitai River. Nelmac had spent 18 months cultivating different types of trees suited specifically for the rivers environment.
Among tree types were flax and toi toi, both of which were best suited alongside the river as they could bend and survive when rain caused flooding. Further afar from the river were totara trees which were planted in a sturdier zone.
Despite some rocky terrain, the group of volunteers were hardy folk who were determined to get the job done.
“We are making a little forest here, hopefully it will bring back some birds,” said Craig.
He said Friends of the Maitai were organising another tree planting event for the first week of July. It would take place at Victory School next to York stream.
– Stuff