Conservation Week September 11-18

If you could choose a tree to represent an All Black, what would it be? The community planting to mark the Rugby World Cup in Marlborough will include 15 totara to represent the New Zealand rugby team and 15 birches for the visiting Russian players.

They will be among about 600 trees and shrubs being planted opposite the Clubs of Marlborough on Saturday (see details below). Everyone is welcome to come and plant some trees, which are funded by the council through the Marlborough Landscape Group.

The Landscape Group was set up in 2002 after community concern about the spread of vineyards and the effect that was having on Marlborough’s landscape. The group, chaired by Clr Peter Jerram, advises council and includes the wine industry, forestry, farming and environmental groups. The wide range of members makes for some spirited debates and is a good way for council to canvass opinion on how to enhance and protect the Marlborough landscape.

Current projects include wetland protection, encouraging better forestry harvesting, an enhancement plan for the Taylor and Opawa river and promoting more native tree planting. Landscape Group members will be on hand to help plant the Rugby World Cup trees on Saturday as well as at the Spring Creek Kahikatea Reserve on Tuesday as part of Conservation Week.

Everyone is welcome – please bring gumboots and a spade.

Tui To Town – Blenheim community planting

Join the Mayor and members of the Russian Rugby Team to help plant more trees on the banks of the Taylor River.

Saturday 10 September, 10.30 am, on the river bank opposite the Marlborough Clubs and Convention Centre.

Kahikatea Reserve - Spring Creek

Everyone is invited to join in this annual community planting day.

• Tuesday 13 September, 10.30 am at Spring Creek.

Youth Forum Planting – Blenheim

Young people encouraged to help with the planting along the Sutherland Stream.

• Sunday 18 September, 2.00 pm meet at Redwood Street Wither Hills car park.

Picton Schools

DOC will donate native plants to any Picton schools where pupils will do planting and restoration work on their school property.

• Phone DOC office Ph: 520 3002.

Rarangi

DOC planting/weeding day at Rarangi – tools provided but bring your lunch.

• Monday 12 September, 10.00 am. Meet at the Rarangi Community Hall.

Branch and Leatham Valleys

Spend a day in the Branch and Leatham Conservation Area with local historians and botanists learning about the area. Lunch is provided. Bring your own 4WD – some seats available in DOC vehicles. No costs.

Sunday 18 September 10.00 am-4.00 pm. Contact Shelly Sidley Ph: 572 9783 or ssidley@doc.govt.nz for more details.