Eight youths planted 30 plants in Domini Park on Wednesday, in a collaborative initiative partnered between Kahu Youth’s environmental programme "Grounded" and Te Kakano Aotearoa Trust’s community days.
Youth volunteer Fleur Maydon said she decided to take part in the initiative because she believed planting trees was important.
"Trees are good for the birds and us ... If we didn’t have trees then we wouldn’t be around," Ms Maydon said.
The day began with youth visiting the Te Kakano nursery near Waterfall Creek, off the Wanaka Mt Aspiring Rd towards Roys Peak.
Kahu Youth operations manager Anna Sutherland said that they were grateful to provide support on the community days.
"Community days give youth the opportunity to connect with and give back to their community, which enhances their sense of belonging," Ms Sutherland said.
This involved making an exterior fencing from wire to surround each plant.
Recycled wool and former cancer drug packaging were reused for weed mats to protect the flora’s roots.
Each plant was intentionally positioned for optimal growth, and aesthetically pleasing locations were also deliberately chosen.
Te Kakano Aotearoa Trust is led and guided by volunteers, with a part-time nursery manager, education manager and trust manager.
The trust is Wanaka-based, specialising in propagating plants from the Upper Clutha region for localised native habitat restoration.
It hosts various nursery sessions and planting projects throughout the year.
