Rain did not put off 30 or so intrepid conservationists who turned out on Mother’s Day to plant around 800 native trees at the Thames Burke St dog park.
The May 9 event, organised by Solarpunk Aotearoa, was held to “celebrate mother earth”.
“We are planting trees because we are in the middle of a climate crisis caused by too much carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and the best way to absorb carbon dioxide is to plant trees. The side effect is that they give us oxygen to breathe,” Solarpunk arborist John McKeowen said.
The trees were provided by native plant nursery Help Waihi as well as local growers, and paid for by donations from the Thames community.
Species planted on the day included cabbage trees, flax, Manuka, Kanuka, Ti Toki, Puriri, Kohekohe, Putaputaweta, Coprosma, Kowhai, Karo and Koromiko, Wineberry, Whiteywoods and Totara. Home-baked scones and roasted chestnuts helped keep up the spirits of those planting trees.
According to Solarpunk Aotearoa, Solarpunk was described as an art movement that encouraged people to envision a more sustainable and optimistic future in the face of threats from environmental destruction and climate change.
Solarpunk Aotearoa is planning another tree planting at Matariki. The group plans to hold an event monthly.
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