The purpose of these events is for the ongoing ecological/conservation education and engagement of our volunteers and the community.
The focus of past events has centred on refresher training for volunteers field work of refilling bait stations and clearing and resetting traps. This is important work however until recently it was the same service information wrapped up in a new package.
Last year, with support from Foundation North, we introduced a new format and engaged DOC botanical advisor Andrew Townsend to take volunteers for a Walk in the Woods to learn about the BHSR’s unique and rare plants.
Our most recent 2024 event, held in October, was following this format of providing something new and exciting, building enthusiasm and sharing current conservation knowledge. Reinforcing that there is help on the horizon with new and affordable tools coming on stream that could result in “capturing that last stoat”.
Shaun Ryan Managing Director of “2040” made the long trip up to Whangarei from Christchurch where he and his brother are breaking new ground in pest control with the Cacophony project.
Our speakers entertained and educated about 50 volunteers and friends from the community followed by excellent catering from our comms and education committees.