WeSTEM 2025 - PROJECT #2

Naturally Native

Lincoln Heights School

How can native plants help regenerate the health of our local stream and parks? 

Located in an area surrounded by streams and an estuary, Lincoln Heights School has a long history of supporting local planting and stream restoration efforts. Recently, they saw an opportunity to become more sustainable and resourceful by growing their own native seedlings.

This project involves approximately 300 students working together to research, design and establish a native plant nursery.

Supported by conservationists and educators from Community Waitākere and Arataki Visitor Centre, the students will take full ownership of the process of developing a school nursery — learning how to gather seeds, propagate native plants, handle seedlings and replant them in a way that honours both scientific practice and cultural knowledge.

With the establishment of a native nursery alongside plans to build an outdoor classroom, the school hopes to deepen connections with local conservation groups by becoming a source of local trees and a welcoming place for education and connection.