July 03 - Learning & weeding

Our day started at Landcare Research with a lecture on New Zealand invasive mammals and their management, by Pablo Garcia, followed by another lecture on human dimensions by Dr. Will Allen. Besides the marine species, NZ only has two species of native mammals (bats), the rest were once introduced by humans to either control other species, for fur trade or just for aesthetic reasons. Rabbits, hares, stouts, brushtail possums, rats, ferrets, and hedgehogs are the main species that were gradually brought to NZ and have adapted, expanded their range, and destabilized the ecosystems by grazing or predating on the native species. This has become a real problem when trying to preserve native ecosystems, requiring a variety of management strategies to reduce or even remove some of those species.

Dr. Will highlighted the importance of good planning when doing conservation and management strategies, as it is important to be efficient, but it also has to be effective. To better understand the process we briefly planned a group project using logic models: stating the vision, stakeholders, inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes (in the short and long term), assumptions, and other factors that are important to account for.

Dr. Will helped us to understand each part of the planning

We made a brief presentation about our projects

In general kiwis have a strong feeling about their natural heritage, understanding the importance to preserve and help to recover their native species. For this reason some landowners decide to collaborate with conservation organizations by planting native species to recover the lost biodiversity.

After lunch we met with Elizabeth Guthrey from the Te Ara Kakariki/Green Canterbury Trust to participate in restoration projects. She explained us the importance of maintenance of the plantations to achieve successful restoration, as invasive plant species usually grow faster than the natives and prevent them from establishing.

We visited two greendot projects and helped to weed and plant new individuals. In the first site, Elizabeth introduced us to the Te Ara Kakariki Trust, and taught us how to appropriately take care of the plants.

There was a lot of work to do! We removed the weeds that compete with the native species, especially the ones that grow inside the CombiGuards

The technique for planting is crucial, using weed mats and CombiGuards to reduce competition and grazing

Then we moved to the second greendot project, to continue with more weeding.

Preserving the natural heritage can sometimes have a spiritual meaning. 

Mulch can be used to prevent weeds from growing close to the native plants and reduce competition

We worked hard until the sunset

More restoration coming tomorrow!

~ Marta.