Planting with Room 2 at Fonterra Farm

On Monday the 19th September, Vardon School, in conjunction with our Enviroschools partner Fonterra and, Pukete School planted 1000 plants in less than 2hours ! 
Well done Team!
It was a slippery, soggy adventure but the smiles and good humour were out in force. Mrs Scott and Mrs Jones joined us in our adventure and lots a great parents helped us too. 
First we were loaded onto the bus for the drive to the Te Rapa Fonterra Demonstration Farm where we were joined by Pukete School and our Enviroschools partners. 
Next we listened to the safety guidelines, had a demonstration on planting then we started the trek to the stream to plant our plants. Then we divided into groups and started the task of planting.
Spades dug into the crust of the earth and plants were liberated from their small bags into the earth. Children chattered and giggled with our Fonterra helpers. Everyone had a most enjoyable time. Eventually the plants were all planted and we made our weary way back to the top of the rise for a break.
Our hosts treated us to an up close encounter with a milk tanker and the baby calves, frolicking in the paddocks next to the milk shed. Later on we cheerfully chomped the tastiest sausages ever!
Thank you to all our marvellous parents, teachers, envirokids from Room 1 and Room 2 but most importantly our Enviroschools facilitator Adrienne and Fonterra.
We learnt how important plants are in protecting our rivers and streams. The roots of our native plants filter (or cleanse) the water from the phosphates used to grow the grass in the paddocks.This helps our fish, insects and plant life remain healthy in our waterways. 
We will be back next year to check on the growth of our plants and to add to those already planted.