Growing our Future—Adopt a plant for Arbor Day 2020

To mark Arbor Day/World Environment Day (5 June) in 2020, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington has teamed up with Wellington City Council to offer 1,000 native plants for free to good homes.

Kowhai among plants available for adoption in Arbor Day event.

Students, staff and alumni of the University are all eligible to adopt a healthy, verdant native plant from the Council’s Berhampore Nursery that is suited to living in their garden, yard, or home.

“Over the past few years we have run the Growing Graduates programme where staff, students and graduates have come together to plant over 10,000 native trees in the Wellington Town Belt,” says Andrew Wilks, Director Sustainability.

“Due to Covid-19, we aren’t able to hold the same event this year. But by giving people a chance to adopt and care for a native plant at home, we can continue supporting tree planting to connect people to nature, enhance biodiversity, and sequester carbon.”

There is also the chance to contribute to scientific knowledge through a citizen science project that asks participants to provide updates on their plant’s progress.

“By taking part you are really helping to improve the biodiversity of Wellington, as well as enriching your own home environment,” says Wilks.

All those interested in this opportunity must register online and be able to collect their plant at a contactless location at the Kelburn Campus on Friday 5 June, or Saturday 6 June 2020.

Register your interest