Newsletter • Issue 16 • March 2011

www.tfsnz.org.nz

TM

TreeS for SurvIval

Overleaf is detailed presentation of just what Trees for Survival is, what it achieves and how it works – and what it offers nationally

As an avid tree planter I am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to your newsletter!

First, I would like to extend my congratulations to the Trees for Survival Trust in reaching the dual milestone of 1,000,000 trees planted, and 20 years of service to New Zealand communities and the environment. It’s an outstanding accomplishment that all involved should be proud of.

Early in February this year my official duties as Minister of Conservation took me to Christchurch, where I was pleased to join rugby icons Sir Brian Lochore and Tane Norton in launching the ‘Living Legends’ conservation project at the AMI Stadium.

Living Legends is a community initiative run in partnership with DOC, Project Crimson, The Tindall Foundation and Meridian Energy. The aim is to undertake 17 native tree planting projects throughout New Zealand during the Rugby World Cup. Each planting event will involve a local rugby legend and 5,000 trees are

scheduled for planting in the first year alone. The programme will continue until 2015. I wish them well and hope they will be as successful as Trees for Survival.

New Zealand’s forests provide critical services that contribute to sustaining life, such as improving water quality, preventing soil erosion and filtering carbon from the air. By planting trees, we enhance nature’s ability to perform this role and contribute to our overall health and well-being.

The economic benefits of caring for our environment are very clear. In a nation where agriculture and tourism are two key contributors to our economy, planting to improve our air, water and soil quality is planting for prosperity – an investment that has natural capital growth. A large part of our tourism image can be attributed to our national parks and reserves enjoyed by domestic and international visitors alike.

The responsibility for planting restoration is not, however, limited to land managed by public agencies. I encourage private landowners and business to minimise environmental impacts as part of their normal business practice. A simple way to do this is by planting trees. Initiatives could

a quiet achiever

Champions

This notable achievement is the culmination of the work of over 150 schools working with local councils, supporting organisations such as Rotary Clubs, local businesses and volunteers backed by a small band of committed champions contributing both money and supplies.

on arbor Day 2010, the 20-year old Trees for Survival programme reached a milestone at Kawakawa Bay, South auckland, with the planting of its 1,000,000th tree.

From The Hon. Kate Wilkinson – Minister of Conservation

include fencing and planting waterway margins to reduce nutrient run-off; creating corridors between existing bush plots and establishing nurseries. I am pleased to see that Trees for Survival already has such activities as part of its core programme.

I want to acknowledge the work that the Trust, its sponsors and volunteers have been doing with communities across the country and hope the work will continue for at least another 20 years. It’s a great programme, with very real benefits for all New Zealanders and so I look forward to hearing more about your work in the future.

Happy planting!

a vote of support

www.tfsnz.org.nzIssue 16 • March 2011

a strong motivation for the Trees for Survival programmeThe ‘conservation estate’ which comprises National Parks, reserves, domains, state forest land and other areas such as mountains makes up about 33% of New Zealand’s total land area. As the repository of the country’s native plant and animal heritage it needs to be protected and conserved.

But protection and conservation is also required for the remaining 67% of the land, much of which is farmland. Previous clearing of land has caused severe erosion and devastating floods, while stock grazing in streams and wetlands hinders water flow and reduces water quality. For the preservation of New Zealand’s indigenous biodiversity, including the survival of birds and other animals, it is also essential to ‘bridge’ between isolated remnants of bush on farmland.

Many farmers are this country’s best conservationists but the reality is that protecting native biodiversity with fencing, pest eradication, weed control, alternative water sources and plant supply is expensive.

Trees for Survival recognises that protection of native biodiversity is not the sole preserve of the ‘conservation estate’. As a country, there needs to be greater focus placed on preserving the natural heritage wherever it may be.

The objectives of the Trees for Survival tree planting programmea. Erosion control – 57% of New Zealand

farmland has erosion problems. Planting assists in soil and water retention with the consequent maintenance of the productive capacity of the land.

b. Wetlands and waterways development – the improvement of swampy areas and riparian planting with the resulting better regulation of waterways flow reduces flooding, and the enhancement of water quality brings both local and downstream benefits.

c. Improved biodiversity – targeted new and restorative plantings contribute to the regeneration of native plants with a major increase in native bird life and general landscape enhancement.

d. Carbon sequestration – world-wide deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions have contributed to the atmospheric increase in CO2 levels. Planting trees reduces these CO2 levels.

Parallel with these obvious environmental benefits there are also significant educational, community and social outcomes from the programmea. Educational – students benefit from

a different teacher/student interface in a different classroom – the outdoors. They develop an enhanced, hopefully lifelong, respect for nature by experiencing the growing cycle. The students learn to tend and nurture their seedlings while seeing how trees benefit the environment.

The planting out phase, on-site, offers a real life experience to students with repeat visits providing an opportunity to see the fruits of their efforts. Significant health benefits accrue in the younger population frequently beset by sedentary interests.

For some students, the hands-on outdoor activity provides an insight into productive career options that can be life-changing; for all, the programme offers at least an environmental awareness for the future. As the leaders of tomorrow, today’s children are being encouraged to avoid the mistakes of their ancestors.

b. Community – the scope for interaction within local communities across various care groups, volunteers and special interest sectors is extremely valuable in creating shared pride in, and commitment to, the preservation of the local environment.

c. Social – the contact between people of different generations, from varied walks of life and occupations as well as landowners serves a valuable purpose; in addition, the vital programme involvement from regional and district councils adds another layer of social interaction.

The core of the Trees for Survival programmeBased on supplied seedlings or collected germinated seeds, students under the eye of enthusiastic teachers, Trees for Survival and council Field Officers as well as supporting volunteers tend these plants for at least 12 months. As they mature in purpose-built growing units which provide shade and automatic watering, the seedlings are potted on to accommodate their growth ready for the annual planting day. Supporting teaching programmes are co-ordinated with this practical activity enhancing the understanding of the environment and related issues.

Parallel with the growing phase, sites are chosen and landowners are charged with site preparation including clearing, fencing and substituting alternative water sources for stock if necessary.

After supporting planting teams on the day, landowners undertake two years of plant tending and maintenance, replacement and infill planting and, subsequently, the addition of canopy trees.

www.tfsnz.org.nz Issue 16 • March 2011

Trees can be used to maintain and improve soil health, which they do by providing a source of soil organic matter and by improving soil structure. Trees also protect the soil from erosion.

Organic matter is formed in the soil by the decomposition of plant and animal residues (leaves, roots, manure, etc). Soil organic matter content varies from 5 to 6% in the surface layer of grass pastures and forest soils, to less than 1% in sandy soils. In peat soils the organic matter content can be as high as 100%. The low percentage in pasture and forest soils has a significant effect on soil properties.

The organic matter is important to soil health because it acts as a reservoir for plant nutrients, improves the soil’s ability to store water and enhances aeration and moisture retention. It also provides the nutritional needs of soil organisms such as earthworms, which act to release nutrients for plant growth and help create aeration channels.

The amount of nutrients held by the soil generally depends on the inorganic fraction of the soil (sand, silt, and clay) and the amount of organic matter. In general, the particle size within this inorganic fraction ranges from very fine clay particles through to large coarse sand particles. Particle size has a major impact on soil properties such as water and nutrient retention, aeration and drainage.

A small amount of organic matter in the soil can have a significant effect on a soil’s ability to hold nutrients and support plants. Organic matter improves the structure of the soil by gluing soil particles (sand, silt and clay) together to form aggregates that resist erosion and compaction. The spaces between the aggregates allow movement of air and water through the soil which is important for healthy plant growth.

Soils that lack organic matter tend to become hard and compacted, and/or have low nutrient levels, therefore they do not support dense plant populations. The lack of plant cover can lead to soil loss through erosion.

Trees provide organic material when leaves drop, roots die off and branches fall. This organic material is a source of food for soil organisms. Within the first year more than half of the fresh organic matter is decomposed into carbon dioxide, water, nutrients and a resistant form of organic matter called humus. This decomposition process is important since it provides a constant source of nutrients to plants as well as restoring the organic matter content of the soil.

Trees are also vitally important in preventing erosion by reducing the impact from raindrops on bare soil and by holding the soil in place with their roots. Roots improve the structure of the soil by creating channels and breaking down large soil aggregates, thus improving water and air movement.

TreeS aND SoIl

The picture is from a pasture that has been compacted by animals and as a result not as healthy as it might be. The soil is dominated by coarse clods and few pore spaces, which limit gas and water exchange.

looking to the futureThe commitment of those involved, whether students, teachers, council staff, landowners and committed communities, remains high.

While success to date has been very important at a micro level, the trustees of Trees for Survival recognise that the programme has only scratched the surface in terms of reaching its potential on a significant national scale. The demand from schools seeking to join the programme is unable to be met. This unsatisfied enthusiasm will remain so unless further funding sources can be created.

With the advent of the Emissions Trading Scheme, which focuses on the national estate and the commercial harvesting of trees, the time may be right for greater recognition of the contribution made to mitigating carbon emissions by restoration and riparian planting and the groups undertaking such activity.

Mike Martindale, Senior Land and Soils Advisor (South), Auckland Council

www.tfsnz.org.nzIssue 16 • March 2011

We sincerely thank our TfS Champions as well as the following for their assistance and donations: The Sustainable Management Fund and Boeing Environment Fund.

Logo design and layout by Paradigm Associates

TfS sponsors and supporters

Trees for Survival also acknowledges the Rotary Clubs of New Zealand who support one or more schools to enable them to learn about trees and to grow and plant them on ‘at risk’ land.

PO Box 11836, Ellerslie, Auckland 1542 • Ph: 09 526 1561Fax: 09 526 1563 • Email: info@tfsnz.org.nz • Web: www.tfsnz.org.nzApplication forms to apply to become a TfS school can be downloaded from http://www.tfsnz.org.nz/docs/ApplicationForm2010.pdf

Contact

Trees for Survival is a community partnership which encourages children to learn about native plants by growing and planting them to support local revegetation projects.Our partners include schools, local Councils, Rotary Clubs of NZ, landowners, champions and sponsors.

The structure of Trees for Survival

Patrons Bill Boyd QSO Rob Fenwick CNZM, KStJ Ruud KlienpasteTrustees Don Bowater (Chairman) Noel Holyoake Bill Boyd Julie Sobiecki Mark Dean Geoff Shapland Peter Taylor Warren Edwards David English (National Manager)Newsletter Editor Robin BeckettNewly Registered TfS Schools St Joseph’s (Opunake) Waitakere Primary Waiuku PrimaryRegistered TfS Schools A full list can be found on

www.tfsnz.org.nz Supporting Organisations (Rotary Clubs) Albany Auckland Auckland City Sunrise Auckland East Birkenhead Botany East Tamaki Downtown Auckland Drury East Coast Bays Eastern Hutt Half Moon Bay Henderson Howick Kawerau Mount Maunganui Mount Roskill Mt Eden Newmarket Northcote Orewa Otahuhu Otumoetai Pakuranga Papamoa Papatoetoe West Paraparaumu Penrose

Pohutukawa Coast Pukekohe Remuera Somerville Howick St Johns Takapuna Tauranga Tauranga Sunrise Tauranga Te Papa Waikanae Waitakere City Waiuku WarkworthSupporting Organisations (Business and other) Auckland Savings Bank Beacon Pathway Ltd Fonterra (Te Awamutu) Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Lower Mangapiko Streamcare

Group Mercury Energy New World Victoria Park NZ Steel Paraoa Bakehouse Smith & Nephew (car drivers) Sustainability Waitakere Sustainable Business Network Tetra Pak (NZ) Ltd Tileworks Watercare Services Limited Wellington Central Charitable Trust Winstone AggregatesSupporting Organisations (Boards of Trustees) Nayland Primary Steiner School (Tauranga) St Francis School (Thames) Te Waotu School Thames South SchoolSupporting sponsors The Sustainable Management Fund Boeing Environmental Fund Parkland Products Holyoake IndustriesTfS Champions See front page

Where the action is…In Auckland and around the country, students will have returned after the holidays committed to ensuring that their plants in the Plant Growing Unit or Shade-house are carefully tended; thereby making sure that they will be ready for planting out later in the year. Plant care at this time involves –

• Making sure that all plants are transferred to plastic bags (PB3/4 size), pots or milk cartons to provide them with sufficient root space to grow to a plantable size.

• Placing the potted plants in crates (or similar) and sorting them by type so that they can be easily counted. You need to know the number and varieties of plants you will have available for planting day.

• Separating out the smaller plants, which will not be ready for planting day, and setting them aside in the growing unit for next year. Placing the taller plants together will encourage growth.

• Weeding the pots ensures root competition is reduced, thereby encouraging maximum growth.

• Fertilising the plants if there is evidence of yellowing. However, fertilising late in the growing season should be avoided as this will reduce their ability to ‘harden off’ ready for planting.

• Checking for insect infestation. A dose of an organic insecticide like ‘pyrethrum’ will do the trick.

• Topping straggly plants. Most plants will benefit from a careful trim which helps develop a bushy profile.

• Watering your plants at least once a day and keeping a check that water from the irrigation system reaches all plants in the growing unit.

Potted plants sorted, weeded and growing ready for planting

day. Note: plants should be at least 38cm high before they

are planted out!