Million Trees is an Auckland Council initiative which plans to plant a million native and complimentary flora throughout Auckland. This programme aims to increase greenery, offset emissions, and improve overall environmental health. Gecko Trust’s involvement has focused on getting community groups and schools engaged in the project. We have planted nearly 18,000 primarily native plants with the help of over 250 volunteers.
The Million trees programme improves environmental health, is visually appealing, and benefits animal life. Urban green spaces in Auckland are often isolated through a process called fragmentation, where natural habitats are broken apart by urbanisation. Plantings throughout the landscape construct habitat corridors, linking fragments and ensuring the dispersal of wildlife such as birds and reptiles. Gecko advised and collaborated with Cockle Bay School to create a habitat corridor that effectively supported wildlife and created a beautiful green space the community is proud of.
Gecko Trust has run various plantings in recent months to celebrate Matariki and plans to plant even more trees throughout 2018 and 2019. Keep an eye out for more Million Trees planting days by following us on Facebook. If your school or community group is interested in working with Gecko to help Auckland reach its Million Trees goal, contact us.
Do you want to start up a community group with an environmental focus, but don’t know where to start? Connect with Gecko Trust to find out how we can help geckonztrust@gmail.com
Supported by Auckland City Council
