Grass roots tree planting at Meola Reef

From City Scene, published on 31 May, 2009.

Meola Reef Reserve celebrated 20 years of tree planting this month with 40 adults and 20 children pitching in to plant 650 native trees and shrubs recently. The site, once a landfill, is one of Auckland City Council's many citywide community planting projects seeking to restore areas to their natural state. In the last two years alone volunteers have planted over 3000 trees at Meola Reef.

Greg Moyle, chairperson of the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee - who along with his older children was also at the first Meola Reef planting in 1989 - is thrilled to see the change that has taken place over the years.

"Community tree plantings are a great way to make a real difference to your local environment," says Mr Moyle. "To see how far we've come in the last 20 years is fantastic. We've made a real improvement to the area that future generations will enjoy."

For more information about the tree planting programmes and to find out how to get involved visit the Park volunteering section online.