Thousands of native plants destined for Canterbury Plains
More than 4,000 native plants will be planted across 15 sites on the Canterbury Plains, over just one weekend, as part
of the 2011 Canterbury Plantout.
The planting will help create a network of green across the Canterbury Plains.
“The vision of the Canterbury Plantout is to unite the work of many organisations working to improve biodiversity across
the Canterbury Plains. This will be achieved by creating a network of green patches and corridors for native wildlife
from the mountains to the sea.
“The planting day will help increase native biodiversity in the area and create valuable habitats for many different
species. It will also help improve the health of Te Waihora / Lake Ellesmere and it is a great opportunity to educate
people about our local environment and bring them together for a positive cause.
“Perhaps the most special thing about this work is the greenway will be created by the people who live here for the
benefit of both current and future generations,” said Frances Schmechel, Environment Canterbury Senior Biodiversity
Advisor and Chair of Te Ara Kākāriki Greenway Canterbury.
The Canterbury Plantout is a joint event being run by Te Ara Kākāriki Greenway Canterbury, Environment Canterbury, Ngāi
Tahu, Department of Conservation, Selwyn District Council, Conservation Volunteers New Zealand , and the Waihora
Ellesmere Trust.
Canterbury has one of the lowest amounts of remaining native vegetation in New Zealand. Less than one per cent of the
original vegetation remains, and the majority of the region has been classified as acutely threatened.
Meals, activities, entertainment, planting equipment and transport will be provided for volunteers, including live music
and dinner on Saturday evening. Sunday’s events will include mudfish monitoring.
A free bus service will be available from key locations in Christchurch and the Selwyn District, including, Lincoln,
Rolleston, Darfield and Glentunnel. Volunteers must register to secure their place on the Bus.
Registrations are limited and close on 7 September. For more information, or to register interest, visit
www.kakariki.org.nz .
Event Details
Canterbury Plantout 2011
Saturday 10 September: 10:50am (Buses depart from 10am and leave at 6:30pm) Sunday 11 September: 10:00am (Buses depart
from 9am and leave at 4:30pm)
ends