Ōwhango Alive is inviting the community to take part in World Rivers Day on Sunday 28 September, with a morning of tree planting and a special guest speaker.

The event begins at 10:00am at the Whakapapa River bridge in Ōhinetonga Scenic Reserve, where volunteers will plant 130 native trees along the river margins. This hands-on effort continues the group’s long-standing mission to restore and protect the unique biodiversity of the Whakapapa catchment.

From 11:00am, the gathering will move to the Ōwhango Domain Pavilion, where guest speaker Tyler Jarman, Biodiversity Advisor for Horizons Regional Council, will share insights into river health, native species, and practical ways communities can support local ecosystems.

“World Rivers Day is a chance for us to give back to our awa and celebrate the role rivers play in our lives,” says the Ōwhango Alive committee. “Planting trees strengthens the riverbanks, provides habitat for wildlife, and ensures future generations can enjoy a thriving natural environment.”

The event is family-friendly, and all are welcome to attend. Volunteers are encouraged to bring sturdy footwear, gardening gloves, and a spade if possible. Parking is available at both locations, and the event will go ahead rain or shine.

Those interested can RSVP by emailing owhangoalive@yahoo.com or by marking “Going” on the group’s Facebook event page.