Fifteen people attended the Weedbusters workshop held in the Education Centre on a chilly Sunday. The weather put paid to any outside demonstrations but Randall Milne (ES), Graeme Miller and Lynne Huggins (DOC) and Janet Gregory (Landcare Trust) gave good practical advice on busting weeds. Particular weeds were brought up by participants – the “favourites” being Darwin’s barberry, Chilean flame creeper, Cutty grass, Aluminium plant, Bittersweet, Blackberry, Muehlenbeckia, Elderberry, Sycamore, Ivy, Grey willow, Periwinkle, Gunnera, Selaginella, Old man’s beard, Cotoneaster, Gorse, Broom, Tutsan. Techniques for all were discussed, new products promoted and funding options explored. Click to see more detailed workshop notes.
Posted: 2 June 2015
Twenty enthusiastic children visited the Nursery on Wednesday 20th May. “Wild Things“ is a home-based early childhood education organisation. The children enjoyed exploring around the ponds, feeding the ducks and using the “sensory scavenger hunt cards” to find natural things with their senses - sight, hearing, smell and touch.
Teacher Keri later forwarded a few photos of the day and said “Thanks again for a fantastic visit, such an educational place and very inspiring. A credit to everyone’s hard work”. For more information about Wild Things visit www.wildthings.org.nz
Posted: 2 June 2015
On 28th April 2015, about 100 Otatara Schoolchildren came to the ponds and Education Centre to learn about wetlands. Our ponds were one of four places students were exploring as part of a science project to look at the similarities and differences between different ecosystems – native forest, pine forest, beach and wetland. Students used their ipads to record plants, birds and insects seen at the different places and one of the highlights here was finding a frog under the logs around the pond. The ducks of course made themselves quite at home being the star attraction as the children passed by! We look forward to seeing the results of the investigations.
Posted: 10 May 2015
We estimate that over 150 litres of apple juice was created by Malcolm’s magnificent cider press last Friday. People brought apples scrumped from all over Southland and had a fun afternoon chopping fresh apples and pressing fresh and frozen apples. The juice was “taste tested” and everyone agreed it was delicious. The juice can be drunk fresh, frozen for later or turned into cider or syrup!
Posted: 10 May 2015
How many of the fungi can you identify from the photographs? The winner will receive 10 native plants from the Community Nursery - email your answers.
Posted: 10 May 2015
