Ōwhango Primary Students Growing Native Nursery for Conservation
Ōwhango Primary School students are helping create a new native plant nursery at the school garden area. The project is a partnership between the school and Ōwhango Alive.
The school’s Kaitiaki group, led by Whaea Siobhan McKenna, has already started collecting tōtara seedlings. Students carefully potted the seedlings so they can grow in the new shadehouse once it is built.
A recent working bee brought together students, families and community members to prepare the site for the greenhouse and storage shed. Local supporters generously donated both buildings.
The students worked hard throughout the day. They helped weed gardens, painted benches for a memorial area and tackled many other jobs around the school grounds.
It has been wonderful to see the students show so much enthusiasm for conservation and community work. They are learning valuable skills while helping create something meaningful for the future.
Once the nursery is established, the plants will be offered to Ōwhango Alive for a koha. Volunteers will then plant them in permanent locations around the Ōhinetonga Scenic Reserve.
Projects like this help connect young people with nature and strengthen community ties. They also support long-term restoration work in the local area.
A huge thank you goes to everyone who helped with the recent working bees and school programmes.
Most importantly, everyone has had fun along the way! 🌿