Go Green- Restoring The Christchurch Red Zone

Explore the Red Zone, a once-populated section of Christchurch where vegetation has taken over in hopes of restoring the land to its natural state. After a devastating earthquake in 2011, parts of downtown were declared uninhabitable because the ground had become permanently unstable. For an up-close view of the natural world that now flourishes in these former urban areas, you will follow a city arborist deep into the Red Zone. You will see the remains of earthquake-damaged homes that native bush has reclaimed, utilities now blanketed with vegetation and abandoned roads. It will be inspiring to see how nature is healing the landscape that the earthquake leveled. One of the more interesting aspects is to view the remnants of gardens that were once well-tended now growing wild, side by side with native bush. The arborist will describe how the Red Zone was established and what can be expected in the future as the vegetation continues to thrive.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the Red Zone, where wild vegetation has taken over former urban areas.
• Walk with an arborist that will point out the highlights and describe the native bush.
• Gain insight into the 2011 earthquake that left parts of Christchurch uninhabitable.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.