On 4 August 2023, 9CLE were very fortunate to go on a trip to Jean Hamilton’s farm in Karaka to participate in the Trees for Survival planting day. Trees for Survival is a charitable trust which works with local schools and communities across Aotearoa to provide opportunities for children to make a difference while learning about the environment. The purpose of this trip was to plant 1000 native plants as part of the programme. The seedlings were planted in planter bags by Year 9 and 10 students last year and have been looked after by staff and students at school throughout this year.
When we arrived, we were given a briefing by one of the farm staff. Then we made our way into the planting site where Gail, an Auckland facilitator, instructed us on how to plant the trees which we followed carefully. First, we had to dig the mud to form a hole which would fit the sapling. The next step was to carefully remove the sapling from the planter bag and put it into the hole and finally, covering the hole with the mud. Now it was our turn to try. We spent an hour dedicating our time to planting goodness into the earth tree by tree as well as having fun at the same time.
It was an enjoyable day for our class as some of us experienced new learning, planting trees, and enjoying the farm goats. 9CLE would like to give a huge thank you to Trees for Survival for giving us an opportunity to be a kaitiaki of our planet and to Mr. Williamson and Mrs. Mohammed for coming and supervising us on the trip. We look forward to the next Trees for Survival planting day.
