Date:  29 July 2020

Conservation Week 2020 is a key annual initiative by DOC, and this year it runs from 15 - 23 August. For 2020, the emphasis is on the well-being benefits of spending time in nature and seeing 'nature through new eyes'.

DOC Community Ranger Teresa McCauley said after the COVID-19 lockdown, many of us look at life and our world with different perspectives.

“Take time to explore your relationship with nature and enjoy its benefits – Our wellbeing is directly linked to and affected by that of Papatūānuku. Immerse yourself in nature this Conservation Week and embrace what’s always been there; we have some amazing green spaces in the Eastern Bay, explore your local backyard”.

Teresa says places such as White Pine Bush and Marawaiwai reserves are easy to get to and are perfect for slowing down to see nature up close and in detail.

Spending time in nature is often referred to as “good for the soul”. This year's Conservation Week is a chance for people to breathe in the air of the sea, take in the views of natural landscapes, and feel the crunch of the forest floor below our feet – all of which will benefit our well-being.

Some events in Eastern Bay of Plenty for Conservation Week to keep an eye on:

Planting Day - Matatā Lagoon

Date: Saturday August 15
Time: 9.30 am - 12 pm
Location: Matatā Wildlife Refuge - Matatā Lagoon Loop Track
What to bring: Spade (if you have one), boots, sun protection, jacket, drink, morning tea.

Water will be available and a sausage sizzle will be provided after the planting.

Kiwi Aversion Training for Dogs

Date: Sunday, August 16
Time: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Location: Awatapu Lagoon Whakatane

Bookings are essential due to limited training spots. To book please contact Donna:

Email: donzoe3120@gmail.com
Phone: +64 7 561 7352 (after 5 pm).

Kawerau Trap Building Workshop

Date: Wednesday 19 August
Time: 1 - 3.30 pm
Location: Kawerau Library

Head down to the Kawerau Library to learn more about the predators that threaten our unique taonga in Aotearoa. Build your own rat trap box to put out in your backyard, learn how to use the TrapNZ app to record your catches.

Tumurau Wetland Story

Date: Saturday 22 August
Times: 9 am, 10 am, 11 am
Duration: 45 minutes
Location: Tumurau Wetland, Braemar Road

Join Bill Clark, the kaitiaki of Tumurau on a guided kayak tour around the wetland. See how many wetland bird species you can find. Although there is no age restriction please be mindful that we will be operating kayaks supplied by Bill Clark. Booking is essential as seats are limited.

To book, email tmccauley@doc.govt.nz

Zoom in on nature - Photo Competition

Dates: 15 - 23 August
Prizes: Prizes awarded in four categories - Flora, Fauna, Landscape and Youth (5-13yrs).

Multiple entries accepted. Each photo should be attached to an email and sent to tmccauley@doc.govt.nz.

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Check out Conservation Week on the DOC website or on DOC Eastern Bay of Plenty Facebook page for more information.

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