Arbor Day 2006
Green Corridors’ Planting Continues
The Turitea Stream Green Corridor is the first project in the city for the Green Corridors Group, and was started in 2001. This project involves the establishment of a green corridor to link the Tararua Ranges with the Manawatu River. Eco-sourced native plants have been planted along Council-owned esplanade reserves, which follow the Turitea Stream. Further Green Corridor planting has been undertaken on reserves outside of the Turitea Valley, including Mangaotane Reserve and Adderstone Reserve. Plans are also underway to begin planting in Pari Reserve this year. Over 40, 000 native plants have been planted to date as part of the Green Corridors project.
As well as organising the planting and undertaking maintenance of the green corridor areas, the Green Corridors Group works with landowners to encourage further green corridor planting, including running educational workshops on issues such as how to eco-source seedlings and propagate plants.
Green Corridors often link natural reserves, parks, cultural and historic sites with each other and in some cases with populated areas. Green Corridors can contribute towards the sustainability of the city, improve amenities, strengthen the city’s image and character, and increase recreational opportunities for the area.
The community based group was set up by the Palmerston North City Council in 1999 in response to the Council’s Environmental Policy (1998) and comprises community and Regional and City Council representatives. The Green Corridors Group includes ecologists, a resource management consultant, horticulturalists, landowners and interested residents. Green Corridors is also a member of Environment Network Manawatu.
If readers would like any further information about the Green Corridors Group, or have ideas about potential future green corridors projects in your area, contact the City Future Unit of the City Council or visit Environment Network Manawatu’s website at www.environmentnetwork.org.nz
Green Corridors – Community Arbor Day Planting 2006
 The Green Corridors Group organised a Community Arbor Day Planting at Ngahere Park Esplanade Reserve, Turitea Road, Palmerston North (approximately 2 kilometres from the intersection of Turitea Road and Ngahere Park Road) on Sunday 11 June at 1 pm. Anybody who wanted to plant a native tree within the Turitea Stream Green Corridor was welcome to come along and participate. Members of the Green Corridors group were on hand to discuss the re-vegetation project and answer any questions.
The planting day was a success with local Turitea residents turning up, decked out in full gear ready to undertake planting. Those that braved the cold to turn up were divided into two working groups, with one group gapping up amongst the existing plantings and another involved in clearing bush for the proposed pathway. A further 100 native plants were added to the esplanade reserve.
Published in the Guardian on 13 July 2006.
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