Taiwan Cherry assault in Kerikeri
Date: 06 August 2008
The Kerikeri Basin Weedbusters and the Department of Conservation invite people of Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands to help in eradicating a very pretty but invasive pest from our public reserves. On Saturday 16 August, we are meeting at 9 am at the Kingston House car park. We'll have a quick briefing and then get down to the business of ridding the area of as many Taiwan Cherry trees (prunus campanulata) as possible.
Taiwan Cherry, once a popular garden ornamental, is very colourful at this time of year. It is covered in deep pink flowers, which the tuis enjoy for the nectar. Unfortunately, birds also love the small cherries that follow on. The birds fly off into another tree and drop the stone with a nice dollop of fertiliser and a new tree grows. These trees grow a lot faster than our natives do. At this time of year, if you look around at our bush reserves, you will appreciate just what a threat Taiwan Cherry is to our native forests.
Every year we have a concerted effort to get rid of this pest while it is so obvious. Any other "nasties" that are spotted are dealt with as well. It is a fun morning, doing as much as you feel able to do. Every one in the family can help. There will be spot prizes and we will finish up with a sausage sizzle at midday. Tools are provided but if you have a favourite pruning saw or pair of secateurs, feel free to bring them along.
Please come and join us. If you are thinking of coming, please phone Marilyn on +64 9 407 4299 - we need to know how many sausages to cook and who we need to advise if the event is cancelled due to bad weather. We are looking forward to seeing you out there.