A public planting day to support the continuing restoration of Cape Wanbrow attracted about 60 people on Saturday morning.
Forest and Bird Waitaki branch committee member Olivia Kwant said it was a ''great surprise'' to see so many people turn out in support.
''It's really great, I was not expecting this many people,'' Miss Kwant said.
Forest and Bird Waitaki branch chairwoman Chloe Searle said it was especially encouraging to see several children and families digging in, all with a common vision for improvement.
''The kids are helping out with collecting all the pots - it's just awesome,'' she said.
''They're going to be the ones who actually get to see them grow up.''
The event was a partnership between Forest and Bird Waitaki and the Waitaki District Council.
The seedlings were supplied by the council and more than 1000 were planted over two planting days, each with a protective sleeve and mulch mat.
The plants are a variety of natives, including kanuka, manuka, cabbage trees and hebes.
''We've tried to focus on ones that will grow well here - the Cape is a tough environment,'' she said.
''In the future we might be able to put in some more of the delicate ones.''
The project was a chance to enhance the region's biodiversity and encourage more native birds back to Oamaru, such as the tui and kaka.
''It's about creating more native habitat for the birds and wildlife,'' Ms Searle said.
''People here really enjoy it, too, it's great to be able to go on a bit of a bush walk.''
A variety of community groups had supported the planting days and those who lived in the Cape Wanbrow area had also been very active.
Ms Searle thanked everyone for their support.
The Forest and Bird Waitaki branch is also involved in plantings at Fenwick Park and the community nursery in the Oamaru Public Gardens.
It hopes to hold another community planting day at Cape Wanbrow in autumn.
