Wicked weed becomes pretty paper.

Kerikeri’s contribution to the Forest and Bird sponsored Earth Day 2000 was a great success.

30 volunteers showed up at Opito Bay last Saturday ready and willing to tackle a major infestation of Moth plant (Kapok vine, Araujia sericifera) on Motupapa Island.

The invasive weed was threatening to over take the plantings carried out by Forest and Bird and the Department of Conservation in the mid 90’s.

Volunteers traveled from as far away as Opua, Whangaroa and the Wekaweka Valley and included all ages from primary school to well past retirement age (not that this slowed them down).

It is estimated that 90% of the seed source on the island was controlled. Vines were hand pulled and the seeds collected.

Forty sacks of seed pods were removed from the island. These are being given to the Cottage Papermill in Whangarei to produce environmentally friendly paper.

The Department of Conservation would like to thank all those that participated and has plans for follow-up action.

For more information please contact Claire Woolridgeway on (09) 407 8474

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