Otawa Scenic Reserve, home to the rare Hochstetter's frog, is needing keen volunteers to help get native plants into the ground there on Saturday, June 27.

'We invite you to a day of fun, fellowship, and work - 2500 Natives to be planted!” says Te Whakakaha Trust chairperson Jim Dowman.

'Drive through the gate and then go about one kilometre to the site. Bring your spade, warm or wet weather gear, and water.”

Food and drinks will be provided at the end of planting which is expected to take two or three hours. 'Once we get the plants in then we'll have a really good feed,” says Jim.

'We've been working on the reserve for five years now. We're there because of the Hochstetter's frog - that's the whole reason for the trust, to protect this endangered frog, probably the rarest frog in the world. This is a national park now, a sanctuary, and now we've just got to get some trees up and get rid of the rats and pests.”

The native trees have been supplied by Trees that Count and Western Bay of Plenty Council who are also sending people along to help on Saturday.

'Waitaha Community Trust have also provided us with some funding,” says Jim.

Helpers are asked to meet at the reserve at 9.30am on Saturday, June 27, at 1254 No 3 Rd, Te Puke.

If it's raining the day will be postponed until Sunday, June 28.