Murchison Park Tree Canopy Project
Murchison Park Tree Canopy Project
Did you know that there is less than 14% tree canopy cover in Ōtautahi?
We're trying to increase tree canopy coverage in Ōtautahi by donating 1040 trees to households in the Murchison Park area. We're partnering with Trees for Canterbury, Christchurch City Council and the University of Canterbury School of Forestry to better understand community forest restoration.
How does it work?
The Styx Living Laboratory Trust did a surprise delivery of 1040 trees to the Murchison Area on the 8th of June. Each tree will come with a brochure, weed mat and a gift certificate for an additional free tree thanks to our project partner Trees for Canterbury.
That's 2080 free trees for the Murchison Park neighbourhood!
If everyone plants their trees in the Murchison area then it could increase tree canopy coverage in the neighbourhood from 11.87 % to almost 16% long term. This will help sequester carbon, create forest patches and support local bush birds.
LET'S PLANT THESE TREES
Sunday 11th of June at 11am - Backyard Planting!
Got a free native tree?
If possible, join us at 11am on Sunday 11th of June to plant your tree in your backyard. We'll be aiming for 1040 trees to be planted at the same time! If you're busy at this time, then plant it when you can!
Share photos and videos of your planting with us on social media and tag us on Facebook @styxlivinglaboratorytrust or Instagram @styxlivinglab and #styxtreecanopy
Murchison Park Drop In Session
If you don't have the space to plant your tree in your backyard then join us on the 18th of June at 10.30am - 1pm for a Community Planting/Drop In Session in Murchison Park. We'll be hosting a BBQ, planting trees and getting your feedback on future planting ideas to create a small urban forest in Murchison Park.
Community Restoation Research Project
The last part of this project is a community-forestry research project to gain insight into community perceptions of native trees and their various roles in addressing both the climate emergency and ecological emergency. Our forestry interns will be working with the University of Canterbury School of Forestry to better understand community attitudes towards this project and to inform future planting projects. This research will take place later this year with interested parties.
In the meantime, we would appreciate you filling out our short anonymous survey so we can get your thoughts on the surprise tree delivery.
Fill out the survey here.
Learn more about your tree including how large it grows/how to plant it by checking out our Tree Guide!
Don't want your tree?
Join us to plant it in Murchison Park at the drop in session, give it to a neighbour or email beth@thestyx.nz and we'll arrange for it to be picked up.
This project is funded by the Christchurch City Council's Sustainability Fund.
