Date:  06 September 2019

DOC Community Ranger Lauren Kelley says, “We’d love to see you at one of these fantastic events. There are also many other ways to get involved in conservation, like trapping rats and stoats on your property, getting rid of weeds and planting native species, joining a local community group or spending time outdoors with your family.

“This year we are reflecting on five decades of amazing people who have saved species, restored habitats and inspired the next 50 years of protecting our native taonga. The Department of Conservation encourages you to celebrate with us by connecting with nature and giving our native species and natural landscapes a helping hand.

“This year, we are working with local businesses and community groups to bring you nature-based events on the West Coast. There are some great activities, from glow-worm spotting with a scientist to bird aversion training for your dog so be sure to book ahead so you don’t miss out!”

Events being held this year in the West Coast

Nighttime adventure

Enjoy a nighttime adventure in Charleston’s Metro/Te Ananui Cave with Underworld Adventures. Saturday 14 September, 6 pm - 9:30 pm. Learn about the area's fragile cave and karst systems with a presentation from local scientist Kerry-Jane Wilson, followed by a guided caving trip – this is a rare opportunity to experience the main cave entrance at night, illuminated by millions of glowworms! It’s sure to be an evening filled with wonder, underground stories, food for thought and insight into the conservation of caves and karst landscapes on the West Coast. Bookings essential, $25 per person, children welcome.

For more information and to book, contact Underworld Adventures on (03) 788 8168 or Email: contact@caverafting.com.

Avian aversion training for your dog

Train up your dog to avoid kiwi and weka. To register your dog, email fanderson@doc.govt.nz with your preferred training time between 9.00 am and 4.30 pm on either Saturday 21 September or Sunday 22 September. It is $10 per dog to cover the facilitator’s costs and sessions will be held at the Goldsborough Campsite on Stafford Loop Rd near Hokitika.

Trapping workshop

Learn how to protect native birds by trapping rats and stoats. The Coast Road Dawn Chorus group is holding a day of skills-based workshops at Barrytown Hall, Saturday 21 September, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm. There will be activities for kids as well and a shared lunch. For more information and to register, visit www.dawnchorus.westcoast.org.nz.

Walk along Camerons beach

Join the Guardians of Paroa Taramakau Coastal Area Trust on Sunday 22 September from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm for a leisurely walk along Camerons beach to look at predator trap boxes and penguin nesting boxes the Trust has installed. Enjoy social time while learning about our local wildlife. See what the Trust has been up to lately and learn what you can do to help. A penguin footprint count will also be done on the walk which should be fun for children and adults alike! For more information, visit the Guardians of Paroa facebook page.

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