Weedbusters recognised as local heroes
Date: 25 August 2008
We've all been plagued by weeds at some time or another. In the Wanganui-Manawatu region, weeds are a significant threat to our ecology and economy. They can impact local agriculture and industry, cause health problems and destroy recreational areas and native bush. But around the region, bands of local heroes are waging war on weeds.
Weedbusters is a national programme that aims to raise awareness of weeds and help protect New Zealand against the spread of invasive pest plants. Every two years, the Weedbusters programme takes the opportunity to recognise the dedication and contribution of local community groups in the fight against weeds with Weedbuster Awards.
All of the 2008 nominees make an outstanding contribution to the Weedbusting effort. They include Friends of Gordon Park, Castlecliff Coastcare, Friends of Kitchener Park, Hato Paora Boys College (Feilding) and Kimbolton School.
Kimbolton School
2008 Weedbuster Award nominees were judged according to two categories; Public land and Education. Kimbolton School receives the Education award for their supreme effort in ridding their adopted reserve of invasive sycamores. The school is a champion for environmental issues, showing on-going commitment to the Department of Conservation Seeds for Schools programme and hosting a planting workshop organised by the Environment Network Manawatu earlier in the year. Their award winning work took place in Kimbolton Bush Reserve. Horizons Environmental Officer and Weedbusters Regional Coordinator Elaine Iddon was impressed. "This team of students produced a detailed management plan and carried it through, resulting in the felling of a large stand of rapidly spreading sycamores" she said.
Winning second prize, Hato Paora Boys College is working with various agencies including the Department of Conservation. Under the Papatuanuku programme, they are nurturing an area of Ngahere Reserve (Kitchener Park). They are new to Weedbusting and have made great progress in the short time they have been involved. According to Hato Paora's Environmental Education Co-ordinator Erin Withers, the students are "learning to protect and nurture our environment and make practical learning opportunities become a reality".
Colin Ogle, Friends of Gordon Park
In the Public land category, the 2008 Weedbusters Award went to Friends of Gordon Park, who showed careful planning and lots of enthusiasm. Gordon Park Scenic Reserve in Wanganui is an important example of a lowland forest type once common in the area. This group's award-winning efforts help to control invasive weeds like Jerusalem Cherry, Stinking Iris and Monkey apple. They are also involved in helping with plant propagation and re-planting.
Second prize goes to Castlecliff Coastcare who took up the fight against Madeira vine, boxthorn, acacia, and cape ivy in the Castlecliff Coastal Reserve. They have also helped with the planting of over 2500 coastal seedlings. The group plays a significant part in coastal restoration in the area.
Friends of Kitchener Park are highly commended for their efforts. They are a local group that was set up in 2005 to help control Tradescantia, a smothering ground cover and restore the forest floor allowing native seedling re-generation.
The Department of Conservation would like to take this opportunity to show our appreciation to all of the community groups making an effort to get involved in weed busting and other conservation issues. We couldn't do it without you.