Planting Day - Kowhai Reach
When: 1pm Sunday 29 October (NOTE: date changed from 27 October due to weather forecast)
Where: Kowhai Reach - access is via Chris and Charleen Withy’s farm (134 Bemore-Kauana Road). Access will be via the tanker access which is located 1.2 km north of the house at: https://goo.gl/maps/q28qYM4ACjAZnZTb8. We will likely park near the dairy shed and then carpool to reduce the number of vehicles crossing the farm, please bring a 4x4 if you can as the paddock could still be a bit sticky this time of the year.
What: We have 600 trees to plant, so please tell all your friends, the more the merrier! You will need to bring your own spade, work gloves and wear practical clothing and sensible shoes for the weather and activity. Also bring personal gear you may need such as any medicine, water bottle, sunhat, snacks/packed lunch. Please do not bring dogs and if bringing any children they need to supervised at all times as we will be on a working farm with the usual hazards plus a planting along a steep-sided streambank.
Who: This event is open to anyone who is interested, please let your catchment group coordinator or myself know if you intend to come so we can get a basic idea of numbers for the day. Jesse Bythell (Southland QEII rep) 020 400 32109 [Enable JavaScript to view protected content]
Why: Kowhai Reach is a rare ecosystem protected for over 40 years by local farmers. Supplementary planting will give the forest a boost to ensure it has a long and healthy future. You can learn a bit more about the site here: https://www.sern.org.nz/project-directory/kowhai-reach-kauana/
PLEASE NOTE: there is a also a Southland Ecological Restoration Network (SERN) field trip to Kowhai Reach on 11 November which you are also welcome to attend. For more information about this other event follow this link and scroll down to “SERN Spring Field Trip - A Meander through Central Southland”: https://www.sern.org.nz/events/
