Friends and whānau targeted for Conservation Week

Date:  06 September 2013

Conservation Week from 8-15 September 2013 aims to encourage people from all walks of life to get involved in conservation and find out how they can help protect and enjoy our natural environment.

The Department of Conservation’s (DOC) theme for Conservation Week is ‘Celebrate Conservation Week: What’s your whānau doing?’

Events organised include a DOC display in the Meridian Mall in Dunedin, Silver peaks guided walk, a beach cleanup and planting day, wetlands volunteer day, and a talk at Oamaru Library on limestone refuges.

Nine Otago conservation heroes will be recognised at the Conservation Awards in Dunedin on 9 September and Cromwell on 12 September, including children, individuals, groups and local businesses.

DOC partnership ranger Lucy Hardy says every New Zealand family has a stake in keeping nature flourishing well into the future.

“Conservation Week is all about celebrating the connection we have with our special places, plants and animals,” says Lucy.

“Choose something fun to do with your whānau group - make a home for lizards in your backyard, clean up a patch of beach with your friends or just quiz the family on what they know about our unique wildlife. It’s fun, free and easy.”

The campaign encourages individuals and their wider whānau, e.g. families, sports teams, clubs, and other groups, to make a pledge for conservation by getting involved in one of a range of activities.

The Conservation Week website has heaps of activity ideas for getting out and about, and resources like themed Facebook cover images, quizzes, colouring in sheets and other printable activities.

“The pledge activities we’ve chosen show people that it’s easy to celebrate Conservation Week, and that getting involved in conservation with family and friends is actually fun as well,” says Lucy.

Further information about the Conservation Week events happening in Otago is available on the DOC website.

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Conservation Week

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