BLIA North and South Island Members participated in the 16th and 17th T-EARTH project
In response to the T-EARTH Project promoted by BLIA HQ, BLIA North and South Island carried out the 16th and 17th tree planting activities on 23rd July 2022 despite the wind and rain. BLIA South Island participated in the forest restoration activities of the Christchurch City Council in South Island at Halswell Quarry Park. BLIA North Island attended T-Earth tree planting activities of the Auckland Council in Waitawa Regional Park. In just two hours, members of BLIA North and South Island have planted 400 trees at two different sites.
BLIA South Island Secretary LinLin led 20 members to plant trees. The task was to plant 1,200 saplings on a steep slope of about 400 square metres which was extremely challenging due to the torrential rains a few days ago left the slope wet, slippery and overgrown with weeds. However, BLIA members were not afraid and immediately started work after listening to the director Fiona Fenton's explanation. The work process of the day included planting trees, covering with thermal fleece, covering with cardboard boxes for warmth and wind protection, and using wild grass to enhance warmth. A total of 300 trees were planted by BLIA members. As soon as Fiona saw BLIA members in yellow vests, she immediately remembered the spectacular scene last year when 40 BLIA members participated in the Victoria Park forest restoration activity in the Port Hills Forest Reserve. The saplings that were restored at that time are still in good condition. Fiona, the person in charge, was very happy to see BLIA member’s long-term efforts to maintain nature.
On the other hand, 14 members of BLIA North Island were led by Venerable NengChang and Annie Chang, president of BLIA Sub Chp 4, to the T-Earth tree planting activity in the Southern Regional Parks. Under the guidance of the commentator Brian, they planted a hundred saplings.
BLIA members who participated in the activity were skilled in the process and carried out the work quickly with newcomers. The oldest Bodhisattva, 75-year-old Wang Xiurun, picked up a shovel to loosen the soil and planted the saplings into the soil, completing the tree planting process. Several young families also participated in the activity. The children participated in the tree planting with the assistance of their parents. The youngest was a 2-year-old boy Wang Jiayou planted 6 trees with the help of his mother. His feeling of joy is permeated with the expression of future participation in the activity! Member Vicky Liang shared that she hiked from the steep mountain to the ravine, participated in the community digging soil and planted saplings, and would be willing to do her part to protect the earth. Seeing a planted sapling, she felt that this weekend was full of value. The members expressed that the environment for planting trees was difficult, and through the activities, they realized that life is closely related to natural environment, and they can work hard to maintain natural ecological environment for the benefit of future generations. Thanks to the Temple and BLIA for arranging such meaningful activities.