Trees for Survival (Rotary Supported)
 
Trees for Survival (TFS) started in New Zealand in 1991 and now have over 150 schools participating throughout New Zealand. This results in over 70,000 children being exposed to the programme and over 1 million trees planted since the programme started.
 
All clubs, and their allocated schools, in all districts, are encouraged to become active supporters of Trees for Survival which could be a key aspect of any Rotary Environmen­tal Committee established. The programme involves young people growing seedlings in a Plant Growing Unit (PGU) at their school and planting the young trees on ‘at risk’ land where they will prevent erosion, improve water quality, increase biodiversity, renew a natu­ral resource and increase the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
 
How does it work?
 
•  Schools (primary/secondary) apply to become Trees for Survival School,
•  TFS assists the school to locate a sponsor to fund a PGU. (Plus, ongoing financial and physical support) This is frequently a Rotary Club or local business which provides the one-off cost of a PGU (approx. $5000) and an annual servicing/supplies charge of approx. $750
•  School pupils supported by TFS/Regional Councils/school community grow plants from seedlings to planting out stage.
•   Regional Councils liaise with landowners & select planting site.
•   School pupils & school community plus landowner and TFS partners, plant out native trees.
 
Rotary Club school liaison persons should be fully aware of the Trees for Survival programme and its objectives and a brief PowerPoint presentation or DVD is available for clubs’ meetings etc. The TFS website is also available www.tfsnz.org.nz
 
Contacts:
 
Trees for Survival National Manager            
Phil Lyons
Phone: 02212240946
 
Rotary contact
Graeme Houston
Phone: (09) 2946277; mob: 021 955 338