Generations Planting for Generations
- Haakarimata Restoration Trust
- 11 minutes ago
- 2 min read
This planting happened last winter, and although we never quite managed to publish the story at the time, it is still well worth sharing.
“Generations planting for generations” was how one volunteer described our final planting day of the season at Elgood Valley Farm, on the western slopes of Haakarimata.
On a classic four-seasons-in-one-day morning, 16 volunteers planted 500 native trees across former pasture. It completed a huge winter effort, bringing the total planted at the site to 2,686 native trees.
The owners of Elgood Valley Farm have a long-term goal: to return several hectares of steep farmland to permanent native vegetation. Their vision is shaped by memories of the farms they grew up on, where streams held abundant tuna (longfin eels) and large native dragonflies were a familiar sight.
Things really got underway at the Predator Free Haakarimata Launch Day when neighbours who make up the 'Ahirau catchment Group' got to talking about their shared vision for the area. Members of that group have independently been trapping pests and restoring forests for 20+ years. Since then the group has joined the Morepork Action Group and many others to form the Haakarimata Restoration Trust.
From pasture to forest
This planting will gradually create new habitat on land that was previously grazed. As the trees grow, they will provide food, shelter and nesting opportunities for native birds, insects and lizards.
The site also helps strengthen the network of native vegetation around Haakarimata. Restoring these links between existing forest remnants gives wildlife more opportunities to move through the wider landscape, rather than being confined to isolated patches.
Protecting Te Pani Stream
The project also includes land beside Te Pani Stream, which flows from the western side of Haakarimata into the Waipaa River and, ultimately, the Waikato River.
Native planting beside the stream will help hold soil on the steep slopes, reduce sediment entering the water and provide increasing shade as the vegetation matures. Cooler, cleaner and more stable waterways are better habitat for freshwater species.
Surveys have already found native fish here, including īnanga, as well as longfin eels. Protecting the stream margins gives these species a better chance of persisting and recovering.
A forest the children will grow up with
Some of the most enthusiastic volunteers were also among the youngest.
They may remember these trees as little more than knee-high plants in open paddocks. Over their lifetimes, they will be able to watch the site change into something resembling a young forest.
That is what “generations planting for generations” means in practice: people giving a few hours now to create habitat, protect waterways and leave something enduring for those who come after them.
A huge thank you to everyone who planted, transported trees, prepared the site, supplied equipment or helped behind the scenes.
This work was supported by the Waikato River Authority’s Waikato River Clean-up Fund, Trees That Count, Waikato Regional Council and the Waikato Hauraki Conservation Fund.
The project has further been supported by Restore Native and Forest Flora nurseries.
As we get into planting season again, we have a lot of similar projects on the cards for this winter. To join a future planting day, register at Haakarimata.com, and keep an eye on the website, and on facebook.
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