Trees That Count is challenging Kiwis to plant native trees this Arbor Day, 5 June.
Trees That Count is an exciting, ambitious new programme which aims to inspire every New Zealander to become part of a movement that can collectively plant millions more native trees for future generations.
Calling on our good old New Zealand ‘can do’ attitude, our love of nature and the outdoors and our spirit of getting behind a cause, Trees That Count has set a challenge to Kiwis to see how many native trees can be planted this Arbor Day, 5 June.
“Joining the work of Trees That Count is a great way to invest in New Zealand’s future through conservation.” Lou Sanson
It’s so easy to get involved. Just pledge your commitment to plant a tree today and you’ll add to the live count, then get together on Arbor Day and plant it! If you’re unable to plant you can donate a tree for $10, which Trees That Count will donate to a community group to plant on your behalf.
“As a nation, we face a major battle to save our threatened species. Our unique native wildlife is besieged by introduced pests and other threats.”
“The Trees That Count project aims to count the number of trees being planted across New Zealand to help in this battle, as well as to enhance our environment and do our part in the global initiatives against climate change.” says Minister Barry.
What’s Trees That Count?
In November 2016, Trees That Count was launched.
Funded by The Tindall Foundation, and delivered by the Project Crimson Trust in partnership with Pure Advantage and the Department of Conservation, Trees That Count aims to keep a live count of the number of native trees being planted across the country from 2017 and to set a new target each year thereafter.
In 2017 Trees That Count wants to see one tree planted for every New Zealander, that’s 4.7 million trees.
We’re counting the trees because with time we’ll be able to measure the collective impact of the work that Kiwis do for our environment, right across New Zealand.
But it’s also about creating a movement where Kiwis unite to help restore and enhance the environment, encourage biodiversity, clean air and waterways and make a difference to climate change in New Zealand by planting native trees.
Planting and Myrtle Rust
Myrtle rust is a fungal disease that severely attacks plants in the myrtle family including pōhutukawa, mānuka and rātā. It is now in New Zealand.
If you’re in the New Plymouth, Waitara, Kerikeri or Te Kuiti areas, we advise you not to plant any myrtle species. We advise planting alternative species. If in doubt, speak to your local plant nursery about the right plants for local conditions.
For all other regions, you can plant myrtle species if the plants aren’t sourced from Northland or Taranaki.
Please check the MPI website for the latest updates.
Get Involved!
Add to the count! Get your whanau, friends or school on board and let’s get planting! Pledge your Arbor Day commitment on the Trees That Count website – it’s quick and easy.
Share this message with groups who are planting trees this Arbor Day. Then share it even wider to help push the count!
And if you’re part of a bigger community group who is planting trees at any time this year, set up a project page with Trees That Count.
Very soon, planting projects registered with Trees That Count will be able to use the platform to fundraise for native trees and connect directly with volunteers.
#treesthatcount when you post selfies on Facebook and Twitter.
Every tree counts.
What an excellent project!