Remind you of the song by Europe… set your heart racing? It’s all about to happen for Conservation Week 2009!
Tomorrow night we are launching our event locally with a wine and cheese event at Aratoi. Here guests are going to vote for the best photo in our competition (25 entries all together) and listen to local conservationist and photo journalist Dave Hansford. The evening is to thank those who’ve organised events, sponsored prizes and generally supported conservation around Wairarapa. It gives everyone the chance to mingle, hear about the programme and hopefully relax for a hour before the outdoor fun begins.
Blessing of kokako at release in 2004
However, we’ve already had our first cancellation. The ‘Great Kokako Count’ was to be held in Pukaha forest on Saturday and the weather is against us for this day (rain and wind for Wairarapa). Pukaha forest has been managed under community pest control for most of the 21st century. Kokako and kaka have been released in the area and they breed in the wild. It’s estimated by local rangers there are around 40 kokako but we were going to run a count. Hopefully we’ll get a group out there again soon.
The magnificent Rocky Lookout completed in May
On Sunday 13 September Chris Peterson, DOC caretaker at Holdsworth road-end, is hosting a guided walk to Rocky Lookout at the top of the recently upgraded Rocky Lookout walk. I took my dog for a walk up there on Sunday and its a gorgeous spot and having Chris’ incredible knowledge will bring the area alive rather than charging up the hill (quite steep in places) like I did.
Then the fun of Conservation Week really begins. From Monday we’re averaging at least two events per day and hopefully I’ll be well on my way to my target of 5,000 people getting involved. Hope to see you there!
