On Friday 12th May,  students from Shirley Boys started planting out the Amelia Rogers Reserve, which will become the Avon Otakaro Forest Park,  beside the Avon River. 

19 students and staff planted 100 eco-sourced trees in the reserve,  which is only the start of the planting required,  to make the Forest Park idea a reality. 

Planting costs were partially subsidised from tree sales. Each tree costs approximately $2.00, for weed-mat and staples. 

Despite the threatening weather all involved worked hard and accurately, ensuring the best chance of success for the trees survival. 

We all look forward to seeing them provide nectar and fruit for both native birds and lizards, as the Red Zone is greened.

Students and staff from Shirley Boys High School enjoyed the annual Avon-Ōtākaro  "Mother of all Clean-ups" on Saturday morning, 13th May. Their section of bank between Avondale and Anzac Bridge yielded 40 packed rubbish bags, full of predominately plastic and bottle waste from the edge of the river and adjacent parkland. 

The Environment Committee members who helped also got to view the 100 native trees students had planted the previous day, as a start toward the Avon-Ōtākaro Forest Park in the Amelia Rogers Reserve.