June 23rd - Restoration & Travis Wetland

We started the day with a lecture from Colin about restoration ecology. Building up on yesterday’s introduction on New Zealand’s History and Nature, we learned more about the threats faced by the NZ ecosystems, which can be either natural (stresses) due to extreme conditions, or human-caused  (disturbances) due to land use changes, introduction of invasive species, etc. Since NZ native species have long evolved without non-natural threats, they are more vulnerable to disturbances and frequently lose the battle against invasive species. In this context, conservation and restoration have very important roles in order to facilitate regeneration and succession, regaining the structure and functionality of native ecosystems.

Colin highlighted three thresholds to consider to achieve successful restoration: abiotic, biotic and socio-cultural; improving habitat conditions but also building stronger bonds between communities and nature for preservation in the future. He also mentioned the importance of a good planning, implementation procedures, and monitoring programs, learning continuously and adapting to the new conditions through adaptive management.

After the lecture, we went to Travis Wetland Nature Heritage Park, the last freshwater wetland in Christchurch and home of many native plants and birds. There, Colin showed us past and ongoing restoration projects, as different succession stages of the planted native vegetation were visible.

Protecting the growing native plants from disturbances

Invasive willow trees serve as nurseries for the growing native plants

Learning to identify the main native species from the best specialist 

The Pokaka (Elaeocarpus hookerianus) has two different phases of growth: bushy (below 2m aprox) and leafy (above)

We also conducted point and transect bird counts, from the bird hide and along the walkway:

Counting birds from the brid hide

Black swan (Cygnus atratus)

Observing the different bird species in the Travis Wetland 

To warm up a little bit after a drizzly walk at the Travis Wetland, we stopped at The Naked Baker for the tea time, and then we headed to the beach to collect some shells and play with the zip-line:

On the way to the beach

Zip-line: The rain could not stop the fun

Cheers!

~ Marta.