Events: Urban Ark – Manawa Taiao

Join Urban Ark and the leader of the ‘Bluegreens’ environmental restoration group to learn about the successes and challenges of this 20 year old ‘riparian’ restoration project. You’ll learn about the native plants used and how these help to counter the impacts of human activity on water quality. We’ll also discuss the importance of predator control for making such projects successful. Come along and explore a hidden pocket of the city which includes a little known puna (fresh water spring). We’ll be putting out a (harmless) fish trap the night before, so you may also be get to see some of the critters that live in the Waitītiko. This event is part of the Albert-Eden Zero Waste Festival.

When: Saturday 27 July, 10am-11.15am.
Where: Meet in front of Waiōrea Community Recycling Centre, 990 Great North Road (look for the Urban Ark flag).
Getting there Several frequent bus services run along Gt North Rd. Visit AT’s Journey Planner.
Parking: There is loads of free parking nearby, beside the Western Springs Garden Community Hall. Please do not park in front of the busy Waiōrea Community Recycling Centre.
Recommended: Sun hat, water bottle, sturdy footwear.
RSVP - Numbers are limited to 15, so please ensue you reserve a place by sending an rsvp to Enable JavaScript to view protected content.

Groups: Bluegreens Meola Creek Restoration Project, Urban Ark – Manawa Taiao

Te Wai Ōrea ‘tree rescue’

Te Wai Ōrea Western Springs Lakeside Park needs a little love we’re keen to form a community eco group to provide that aroha. To get the ball rolling we’ll be running a working bee along Waioteao Motions Creek at the foot of the hillside (see map). If you would like to play a part in looking after this jewel in our community, please come along. We have a few activities you can throw yourself into:

• releasing trees from strangling vines such as black nightshade, nasturtium, bindweed, cape ivy and castor bean
• clearing weeds from the streamside
• installing tracking cards and wax tags to collect predator baseline data
• installing rat and possum traps
• creating narrow pathways between traps for easy trapline access

Meet: at the grassy area by the lake at the foot of the hillside, close to where the hillside path crosses Waioteao Motions Creek (see map below)

Wear: something warm and reasonably protective as you’ll be pushing through bushes and stuff, strong footwear (ideally waterproof) as it is likely to be damp underfoot

Bring: gloves (we’ll have spares), water bottle

RSVP: email Enable JavaScript to view protected content. to let us know if you are coming and help us judge how many sticky buns to order

Group: Urban Ark – Manawa Taiao