Action in landscape project

Press, 29 July 1978, Page 23

Action in landscape project

Jaycees in the North Canterbury-West Coast region have planned and implemented a landscape development programme at Lake Lyndon. The over-all scheme takes in the lake shore as well as the surrounding hill country. When a study report was received by the Jaycee’s 1972 conference from horticultural students at Lincoln College, a remit was passed that allowed the chapters of the North Canterbury-West Coast region to undertake the tree planting. The two run-holders who lease the property around the lake were also advised. Mr K. M. Merrett, the chairman of the Lake Lyndon Action Committee, said it was originally envisaged that seedling trees and fencing material would cost about $lOOO a year and the whole project would take seven to eight years to complete. Fortunately, he said, materials were made available at a substantially .educed cost.

Tree planting has been carried out in late August or September each year since 1975. The risk of snow and the dry conditions after September had made that the most suitable time, said Mr Merrett.

The initial plantings in the roadway area were not very successful but there was repeated planting and the new trees were now growing well. Family working bees had done the planting and it was envisaged that outdoor tables and forms for picnickers would be installed, said Mr Merrett.

He said that the trees were being planted in groups to beautify the area by breaking the barrenness of some of the hill slopes; to create additional toboggan runs, wind-breaks and shelter; and, in some areas, to reduce soil erosion.