The latest Ōwhango Alive working bee brought fantastic community spirit to the Ohinetonga Scenic Reserve, with 15 volunteers coming together to plant over 280 native trees in partnership with the Department of Conservation – Tongariro. This native tree planting effort is part of our ongoing work to restore local biodiversity, protect wildlife habitats, and regenerate this important conservation area near Ōwhango.
Supporting local rangatahi through conservation work
A standout part of the day was the involvement of two rangatahi, Jack Tidman and Jake Fife, participating through the Ruapehu District Council Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs. As skilled job seekers exploring a future in conservation and the upcoming DOC Cadetship, they gained hands-on experience in the reserve.
Jack and Jake learnt native tree planting techniques from DOC staff and talked with Ōwhango Alive volunteers about local flora, fauna, predator control, and the importance of ecological restoration. Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and willingness to learn made them a valuable part of the working bee.
Planting native trees across key restoration sites
Volunteers focused on the area downstream from the Ohinetonga bridge, filling gaps left from World Rivers Day plantings. With support from DOC Tongariro, we now have an additional 100 native trees ready to plant in the coming days, ensuring this important habitat continues to grow stronger and more resilient.
The planting included a mix of native species that support long-term riverbank stability, improve biodiversity, and create safe spaces for native birds, insects, and aquatic species. Every tree planted contributes to the health of the Whakapapa River ecosystem and the wider Owhango environment.
Community conservation making a real impact
Days like this highlight the strength of community-led conservation. Our volunteers contributed hours of work, shared knowledge, and helped protect a much-loved local reserve. Special thanks go to Sally and the DOC team for their guidance and ongoing support of the project.
If you’re interested in joining future working bees, volunteering, or sponsoring a predator trap, keep an eye on our updates or reach out directly. Together, we’re strengthening the ngahere and helping ensure Ohinetonga Scenic Reserve thrives for generations to come.
💚🌿 Ōwhango Alive – Community in Action for Nature