Restoring the Long Yellow Ribbon - Tree planting
Restoring the Long Yellow Ribbon is a community-driven winter planting initiative organised by Forest & Bird South Otago. Held at Dutton’s Bridge pull-off along Owaka Highway, this restoration project takes place on the 4th Saturday of each month, with upcoming planting dates on:
🌱 26 July
🌱 23 August
🌱 27 September
Volunteers are invited to meet at 11am and can choose to stay for as little as half an hour or half a day. All tools are provided (spade, flax knife, gloves recommended if available), along with plants and refreshments.
The project aims to restore native riparian vegetation by planting kōwhai, ribbonwood, mātaī, tōtara, pūtaputawētā, mikimiki, and other native species along the Owaka River. This contributes to Forest & Bird’s broader conservation efforts in the Catlins—activities that include pest control, tree propagation in local nurseries, ecological monitoring, and community education across regional projects like Otanomomo Scientific Reserve.
Forest & Bird South Otago has been actively restoring native habitats since 1978, focusing on coastal and lowland ecosystems. This initiative supports their mission to protect biodiversity and foster public engagement with nature.
Requirements
Things to bring:
- Sturdy footwear
- Clothing suited to winter weather, hat etc.
- Any gardening tools you can share, Sade, flax Knife and gloves
Plants and refreshments provided.
All are welcome, whether you're a seasoned conservationist or a first-time volunteer, your help makes a real difference in preserving native wildlife and restoring our whenua.