The Hampton Jones team in Wellington recently spent their Saturday taking part in a ‘tree releasing’ activity on Mount Victoria.

This event was run by Conservation Volunteers New Zealand (CVNZ) and Sport Wellington for people who took part in the Wellington Round the Bays 2021. The participants of the race automatically ‘adopted a tree’ on Mt Victoria.

Trees contribute to the environment by providing oxygen, improving air quality, climate amelioration, conserving water, preserving soil, and supporting wildlife. However, many trees that are planted don’t survive due to grasses, weeds, and other plants competing for sunlight and nutrients in the soil.   The initiative aims to give native trees a better chance at survival through ‘tree releasing’, where weeds and overgrown grass is removed from around them to allow more sunlight and nutrients in.

After the ‘tree releasing’ work was over the team enjoyed a picnic with birthday cupcakes for a special team member!