First known as Trees for Babies, it was initially meant as a way for parents to mark the birth of their newborns. Over the years, the project expanded to be more inclusive for a wider variety of family milestones such as anniversaries, graduations, or memorials.

Now known as Trees for Families, it is a project in partnership with the DCC, Keep Dunedin Beautiful and the Rotary Club of Dunedin with support from Taskforce Green, Hope and Sons and Blueskin Nurseries.

The Trees for Families planting session for this year will be held on Mother’s Day – Sunday, 12 May – at Rotary Park in Shiel Hill and starts at 11am. If you’d like to take part and create your own living reminder, you must register and pre-order a tree. You can do this on our website. Trees cost $20.

There have been close to 1000 trees planted since the event started and a ‘forest of memories’ is now growing on the harbour’s edge. By planting a native tree, participants are adding to our city’s living landscape – and you’re linking yourself with other individuals and families who have been involved in plantings over the years.

Plantings have been held at Roseneath and Bayfield, before moving to the current site at Rotary Park in Shiel Hill.