Sunday June 16 was a great day for ASB MAGS Farm and for the environment as a further 900 native seedlings were planted on the banks of the stream, bringing the total of natives planted to around 2000.
This action will help to stabilise the banks and prevent erosion and runoff into the stream. It will also enhance local biodiversity and attract more native bird species into the area. It is an example of the environmental best practice that the ASB MAGS Farm wants to demonstrate.
As with the Year 10 students’ planting two weeks ago, seedlings were provided by Trees for Survival and pricked out, potted on and hardened off by students in the school horticulture unit. Food and a coffee van were kindly provided by Watercare.
And Watercare will be funding fencing, fixing of a blocked culvert and more seedlings for next years’ planned planting of the upper stream and wetland area as part of the Central Interceptor restoration and community outreach program.
There was an amazing community spirit as numerous groups and individuals got stuck into planting the trees. Groups represented included ASB Bank, Watercare, Central Interceptor Project, STEPS, MAGS Senior Management, MAGS Agriculture and Horticulture Department Staff, MAGS Environment Club students, MAGS Agriculture students and farm neighbours, friends and families.
HoD Agriculture and Horticulture Esther Hancock said, “We look forward to inviting ASB MAGS FARM friends to future working bees and activities.”
