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Exchange a garden weed for a native and learn
8 September 2008
Exchange a garden weed for a native and learn about conservation
Wairarapa families are invited to exchange a weed for a native plant, and meet some interesting locals at an open day at the Department of Conservation’s Wairarapa Area office during Conservation Week on Saturday 13 September.
“This year’s theme is Meet the Locals so we decided to open our doors and invite the local people to find out about the work that we are involved with in the community,” says DOC community relations programme manager Amanda Cosgrove.
Representatives from the local tramping clubs, the rural fire crew, and search and rescue personnel will be all demonstrating how they support conservation.
“We’ve had a great response from groups wanting to be involved,” says Amanda.
A hands-on didymo game will help explain the importance of being vigilant with keeping our river’s clean. DOC staff are happy to talk about hunting in the area.
“Local lizards and wetas will be on display for people to have a close look at, and we’ve sourced some incredible seal skulls and other preserved local wildlife.”
Some of the Wairarapa’s rarest native plants will also be on show. Insurance populations of these precious species have been planted in the garden around the office to provide assurance from extinction in the local area.
The highlight of the day is the augural Wairarapa weed swap where people can bring in up to a bag of weeds per person from their garden (roots and all) to exchange it for a local native plant.
Greater Wellington Regional Council staff will be on hand to explain what to look for in your garden and how to manage your pests. Tim Allen Weeds & Pests will also be offering advice.
“It should be a great family morning out learning about what’s special in your neighbourhood. We encourage parents to bring their children,” says Amanda.
Event: Weed Swap and DOC Open
Day
Date: Saturday 13 September
Time:
10.30-1pm
Venue: 220 South Road, Masterton (opposite Hood
Aerodrome)
For more information please visit www.conservationweek.org.nz.
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