Events

Thomsons Bush Cleanup

A community ‘extreme makeover’ day, sponsored by Westpac Trust. 9.00am to 3.00pm. Watch for signs off Elles Rd. Work will include planting native trees, installing new picnic tables and a general clean up of the area. It is hoped that local businesses, schools, service clubs and the public will get involved for a fun day, with a sausage sizzle to be run throughout the day. If you’re interested in taking part with the clean up, please contact Murray Heath at Westpac on 213 5997.

SERN Spring Field Trip 2011 - Eastern Southland

A bus trip to restoration sites from the lower Mataura River to Waipapa Point to Curio Bay. Thanks to Jenny Campbell for the following article:

Inclement weather conditions of hail, rain and wind were braved by about 30 members of Southland Ecological Restoration Network ( SERN) last Saturday ( 5 Nov) as they explored sites on the south coast.

Environment Southland’s Nathan Cruikshank explained the work they are doing at Black Lagoon, in the Titiroa area with fencing, removal of crack willows and riparian plantings of about 1250 natives such as broadleaf and Pittosperum to date. “More plantings are planned later around the lagoon on this Mataura River flood plain area with the biggest issues being pest management, releasing the plants from weeds as they grow and keeping stock out,” he said.

The Forest and Bird Ericson memorial pingao restoration site, adjacent to the Waipapa Point lighthouse, was the next stop with botanist Brian Rance sharing information about the need to ensure this native plant’s special features and habitat are recognised and extended. “We are encouraging this native pingao to replace the introduced and rapidly encroaching marram,” he said.

One of the Equity Managers involved in South Coast Dairies, Lynsey Stratford explained their commitment to riparian fencing and native plantings and fencing off a wetland and native podocarp bush area which have all contributed to improved water quality. Changing from a beef and sheep property to dairy has brought new challenges but installing a stock water scheme, doing native plantings around a reservoir and ensuring they have 120 days storage for effluent rather than just the mandatory 90 days gives them more options. “We can wait until scientifically monitored soil and weather conditions are more suitable before we irrigate meaning we can manage effluent discharge effectively,” she said. “We try very hard not to cause any bad effects, doing it right from the start, with a lot of help from local authorities staff such as Environment Southland.”

At Curio Bay, South Catlins Development and Environment Trust has purchased an area of about 15 hectares of podocarp forest, fenced it and are planning to put a walkway through with interpretation panels. This newly protected area of living forest is adjacent to the Curio Bay petrified forest, making it more significant as a link. Trust Chair Greta Buckingham explained the differences they have seen already in the regeneration of the rata, manuka and rimu forest, now stock has been removed. “Pest control and fundraising are the main activities at present with everyone welcome to join in the mystery challenge event soon,” she said.

“It was a very informative and enjoyable day ,in spite of the weather,” SERN member Gay Munro said. “We appreciate the financial support from Environment Southland which enables us to have a bus and to talk to people as we travel.”

Great Living Legends Muck In, Southland - Bushy Point Otatara

The event will start at 9.30 am and run through to approximately 3.00 pm, with 5000 native trees to be planted. Please register to let us know you are coming along at www.livinglegends.co.nz. Living Legends is managing 17 native tree planting projects throughout New Zealand during Rugby World Cup 2011. We are working with provincial rugby unions and community groups for each planting, and we’d love overseas visitors and locals to join us in supporting and enjoying our natural heritage. As well as that we are honouring our Rugby Legends. Each planting site is dedicated to a New Zealand rugby icon.

The Southland Rugby Legend is the only All Black from Ohai-Nightcaps, Kevin Laidlaw. Laidlaw represented New Zealand in 17 games, including three tests. Since retiring from playing, Kevin Laidlaw has served his province, and is currently a member of the Southland Rugby Union’s Board of Directors.

Living Legends will plant almost 85,000 trees nationwide in 2011, and is making a five year investment to plant a total of 170,000 trees by the end of the project in 2015.

Living Legends is a joint venture of Project Crimson, an environmental charity with 20 years experience in community based native restoration projects and the Tindall Foundation. Major sponsors are the Department of Conservation and Meridian Energy.

www.livinglegends.co.nz

Film - the Water Whisperers

Film Night! - The Water Whisperers Movie on the Big Screen – Venue Centre Stage Theatre, Don St. Students free, others $2. Sunday and Thursday screening.

Free plant propagation workshop

Free plant propagation workshop - native plants from cuttings 10am-noon. Venue 185 Grant Road, Otatara, 9RD, Invercargill. Bookings essential 2131161 or [Enable JavaScript to view protected content].