Trees for Canterbury – “Growing people as well as trees”
Using tree growing terminology, you could definitely say Trees for Canterbury is in its mature phase. Since sprouting as an organisation in 1990 with a mission to grow native plants, the non-profit organisation has clocked up a staggering figure: 1.1 million plants have been grown and planted in the region (by Trees for Canterbury itself and plant-recipient organisations).
Each year, about 150,000 native plants are grown at the Ferrymead nursery.
Yet trees, flaxes and bush-cover aren’t the only things flourishing at Trees for Canterbury’s Charlesworth Street site. To date, more than 2500 people have gained some form of training or community involvement through volunteering with the organisation; most have some sort of social, physical or intellectual challenge or have been long-term unemployed. About 2500 volunteers have contributed to the organisation over the years, as it’s grown up to be a self-sustaining organisation.
“They do the work, I get the accolades,” jokes manager Steve Bush, who recognises the vital part each volunteer has played in the organisation’s history and impact on the region.
A Youtube video produced by Trees for Canterbury highlights the evolution of this well regarded organisation and its ongoing benefits to the people involved and the Canterbury environment. While some details have changed since filming – such as the phasing out of reusing milk cartons – the ethos of the organisation remains the same. You can watch their 6-minute summary here https://youtu.be/MT8scotF9N0?feature=shared
[Photos sourced from Trees for Canterbury website]
