Gecko NZ Trust

Living Neighbourhoods

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Ashleigh Harris

Enviro Education Programme

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The Enviro Education programme was developed by Gecko Trust to empower school aged students with knowledge about how nature works through fun and engaging learning. In the programme, students will learn about biodiversity, ecosystems, environmental restoration (e.g. tree planting) and ongoing maintenance of the environment. Gecko worked in collaboration with Auckland Council’s Enviroschools team to administer Enviro Education.  

We have implemented the Enviro Education programme at Cockle Bay School and Mission Heights Junior College. Students participated in ecological restoration by planting native trees in their local reserves. Students were also taught how to use maths and design to plan a tree planting on a site map. The younger students at Cockle Bay School learnt about ecological systems through interactive play. Actively involving students in their learning was extremely effective, resulting in positive feedback from students and teachers.

The programme enables students to enhance reserves, give back to their community and build practical skills. Ongoing involvement with the schools is maintained, which includes additional education and upkeep of the trees planted. If your school is interested in finding out more about the Enviro Education programme, 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 Howick Local Board, Auckland Council and Friends of Mangemangeroa

Million Trees

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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

ACC