Planting Together at Pine Valley Wetlands
Renwick School and Redwoodtown School took part in a planting day in the Pine Valley wetlands earlier this term.
The idea to take part in the Pine Valley wetlands planting came from a keen group of ākonga at Renwick School. Angela, who has been supporting the group since meeting them through the Climate Change Learning Programme, reached out to the Pine Valley Committee to see if a planting day might be possible.
Redwoodtown tamariki planting at the Pine Valley wetlands restoration.
Committee member Rachel Ellis, who also supports the Redwoodtown School Enviroleaders, was quick to say yes! She organised her group to join in, and together they spent the day planting, learning, and connecting with te taiao.
The day wasn’t just about getting plants in the ground, it was also a chance to learn about the braided river system beside the wetlands, the history of the site, and how volunteers have worked over time to restore the area. Students were amazed to hear how the water quality has improved and how the plants they were adding will help filter water, stabilise soil, and provide homes for native species.
Carex virgata, Swamp Sedge, loves these wet places.
Gumboots were definitely a good choice! The walk to the planting site included a river crossing and plenty of boggy ground. Some grasses were planted right at the water’s edge. In what looked like thick mud but students learned that these grasses actually love those conditions.
It was a great day all round, with everyone feeling proud to be part of a community project helping to restore a special part of te taiao to its natural state. Ka pai, Renwick and Redwoodtown, it is great to see teamwork and kaitiakitanga in action!