Media Release
19 November 2014

New ‘Tree Trail’ funded by Selwyn Heritage grant

A new ‘Tree Trail’ has been installed in the Hart Arboretum in Lake Coleridge Village thanks to a grant from Selwyn District Council’s Heritage Fund.

The self-guided ‘Tree Trail’ provides interesting facts about 22 impressive trees.

The Arboretum contains many of the world’s conifer species, with a large number of the trees approaching 100 years old.

It was planted under the direction of the Lake Coleridge Power Station’s second Superintendent, Harry Hart, from the 1930s onwards.

Today it is jointly managed by the Central Canterbury Farm Forestry Association Arboretum Trust, Selwyn District Council and Trustpower, who owns the Arboretum land. Much of the development and maintenance is done voluntarily with Council and Trustpower support.

Arboretum Trust representative Tony Tripp says Mr Hart planted the trees to discover which species might do well in New Zealand.

“The collection is valuable because it is now quite mature and people can see many of the world’s conifers growing alongside each other in a relatively small area.

“There are iconic trees like Giant Redwoods and Big Cone pine trees, as well as nut pines and Asian firs,” says Tony.

“With the ‘Tree Trail’ installed it is much more visitor-friendly. People can now take an informative, self-guided walk and learn more about the trees at any time.”

Visitors to the village can find the Arboretum just up from the Power Station. Copies of the ‘Tree Trail’ brochure are available for free at the Arboretum to take on your walk and then return to a box when you leave. You can also download a copy from - www.lakecoleridgelodge.co.nz/activities/walking-hikes/

Lake Coleridge Centenary Open Day – 7 December

The ‘Tree Trail’ has been opened in time for the upcoming Power Station Centenary, being celebrated in Lake Coleridge Village on 7 December.

The Open Day will include tours inside New Zealand’s first government-built hydro station, which began generating power in late 1914. Attractions also include a parade of traction engines and veteran and vintage vehicles and machinery; Clydesdale wagon rides; and other yesteryear activities.

A special tree planting will take place to add to the Arboretum’s collection.

More information about the Centenary Open Day is on www.lakecoleridgenz.info

Ends

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