Do you like people, plants and parks? Are you keen to rally others, get them organised and make a difference to the environment? If so, there is a free Community Restoration Leaders programme starting on 17 June.
Run by Kaipatiki Project, the environment centre of the North Shore, this programme is aimed at giving people experience of managing planting days as a paid job, as a volunteer co-ordinator, or to kick-start a local planting project of their own.
You will get to learn real skills including plant ID, laying out plants, welcoming & managing volunteers, promotion, hosting (zero waste) events, health & safety, planning and team work. Along the way you will meet many interesting, committed people, have lots of fun and help plant 10-15,000 plants over this winter.
Janet Cole, Manager of Kaipatiki Project, says “Planting days are special because they are chances for people to really connect with the land. Members of the community get the most out of these occasions when they are given encouragement and a little bit of direction – that’s part of the job of a planting co-ordinator. We are looking forward to hearing from dedicated, energetic people, ready to learn and reap the benefits of this very rewarding programme”.
The training will run from 17 June till October, and is centred around six community bushcare days –four at Eskdale Reserve Network in Glenfield, North Shore and two in Upper Harbour. Participants will be expected to attend all six events, (Saturdays 8am – 2pm) during which they will develop a wide range of skills from engaging with and directing others, hosting and promoting community events, to knowing which trees to plant where and how they should go into the ground.
Registrations close on 10th June. Anyone interested in registering or finding out more should visit www.kaipatiki.org.nz/courses to register your place.