Today we left Lincoln at around 8:15am to the Landcare Research Manaaki Whenua where we met with botanist Collin Meurk. Collin gave a lecture on Natural and Cultural Patterns within New Zealand. The Maori name for New Zealand is "Aotearoa" meaning land of the long white cloud, in reference to how the Maori could detect there was a land mass when they found New Zealand. We learned about New Zealand's broad climatic zones which explains their relatively even temperature and mild winters. Afterwards, we stopped at Coffee Culture for a quick tea time before we headed to Riccarton Bush. On the property there is a beautiful mansion which was built by the Dean family in 1850-1860, in addition to Canterbury's sole remnant of kahikatea floodplain forest. This tranquil grove is separated by a predator proof fence characterized by fine mesh to prevent small rodents from entering, a canopy to prevent animals from climbing over, an electric wire to prevent mostly people from entering during after hours, and an apron underground to prevent intruding burrowing animals. We strolled through the forest whilst learning information from Collin, and after we had lunch before we headed off to explore Christchurch city. We spent some time shopping and of course left some time for a second tea time at C1 Coffee. Then we journeyed back to Lincoln and ended the day with ice cream in the T.V. room with Dr. H and Collin.
Riccarton House.
Predator proof fence
Lots of learning with Collin, Savannah pay attention!
Erika smelling Lemonwood/Tarata leaves- if you crush the leaves they smell like lemon!
One big Kahikatea tree!
A vine from the Passionfruit family.
The Stiff Stemmed Coprosma has a juvenile growth phase where it starts out like a bush and once it hits a few meters in height it becomes more leafy like a tree.
Street art in downtown Christchurch.
Tea time at C1 coffee whose menu featured some witty comics!
Cheers, Tatiana
No comments:
Post a Comment