KEY POINTS:
Hamilton residents will become carbon crusaders on World Environment Day, joining the campaign to "kick the carbon habit".
More than 1000 people, including 600 school children, are expected to run or walk the 4km circuit around the Hamilton Zoo and through farmland close to Horseshoes Lake.
They will plant trees around the track and explore the Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park, scheduled to be completed in 20 years.
The mini CarbonCrusade will be held on Thursday as part of Spark Event's campaign against carbon emissions.
Spark Events marketing and event manager Callum Anderson said the mini CarbonCrusade was a good opportunity for people to be involved in caring more for the local environment.
The event will also celebrate the fact that the United Nations Environment Programme showcases New Zealand for World Environment Day this year.
Olympic cycling champion Sarah Ulmer and Waikato Chiefs players will also be present.
Hamilton City Council is co-ordinating the walk and will provide the trees for planting.
Hamilton City Council strategy and research manager Tegan McIntyre said the event was a good way to introduce people to the future Natural Heritage Park.
"In terms of biodiversity it's really significant. We want to turn the park into a native bush.
"It's going to be a pest-free environment with a predator fence so that native birds inside can flourish," she said.
Mr Anderson said planting trees had direct benefits as they absorbed carbon dioxide.
The crusade is part of a series of events that will be held in Auckland, Hamilton and Christchurch on September 7, 14 and 20.
Auckland's event will take place at the Puhinui Reserve.
People who want to register online can visit Spark's website at www.carboncrusade.com.
