Projects in and around the Manawatu
Members of Forest & Bird Manawatū are involved in a range of projects in the region. Some are sponsored by the Branch, while others reflect members' interests and concerns. Branch members are often to be found working on various projects at weekends and when time allows.
Working bees are advertised on the Events page, and you can also get in touch via our contact page for more information on local projects.
Members of Forest & Bird Manawatū are involved in a range of projects in the region. Some are sponsored by the Branch, while others reflect members' interests and concerns. Branch members are often to be found working on various projects at weekends and when time allows.
Working bees are advertised on the Events page, and you can also get in touch via our contact page for more information on local projects.
Gorge Rata
Forest and Bird Manawatū has been assisting in 'Painting the Manawatu Gorge Red' since realising a vision of long time local member Chris Thomasen. Chris had been managing her own riparian planting project on her land when she thought "why not do something with the western entrance of the Manawatū Gorge Scenic Reserve? Wouldn't it be amazing to see it glowing red at Christmas, like the ranges used to – pre possums?"
Chris started collecting seed and with our branch embarked on the long term project (rata takes some seven or so years to flower) in 2003. It is now a valuable addition to the Gorge Project which provides possum protection to the new plants.
Initially rank grass and weeds (e.g. honeysuckle and banana passionfruit) surrounding regenerating shrubs (e.g. mahoe and coprosma), the site has now been transformed with many busy Saturday mornings and assistance from Department of Conservation.
The first rata are now over 2m and have started to flower. Keep an eye on this space over the next few years.....
Forest and Bird Manawatū has been assisting in 'Painting the Manawatu Gorge Red' since realising a vision of long time local member Chris Thomasen. Chris had been managing her own riparian planting project on her land when she thought "why not do something with the western entrance of the Manawatū Gorge Scenic Reserve? Wouldn't it be amazing to see it glowing red at Christmas, like the ranges used to – pre possums?"
Chris started collecting seed and with our branch embarked on the long term project (rata takes some seven or so years to flower) in 2003. It is now a valuable addition to the Gorge Project which provides possum protection to the new plants.
Initially rank grass and weeds (e.g. honeysuckle and banana passionfruit) surrounding regenerating shrubs (e.g. mahoe and coprosma), the site has now been transformed with many busy Saturday mornings and assistance from Department of Conservation.
The first rata are now over 2m and have started to flower. Keep an eye on this space over the next few years.....
Photos - Chris Thomasen
Forest and Bird Manawatū Nature Trail in the Palmerston North, Esplanade Bush
Forest & Bird has had a Nature Trail in the Palmerston North Esplanade Bush since 1971 and we have recently upgraded the informational signs. Look out for the Nature Trail when you are walking through the Esplanade Bush and learn about some of the species in the Bush.
Forest & Bird has had a Nature Trail in the Palmerston North Esplanade Bush since 1971 and we have recently upgraded the informational signs. Look out for the Nature Trail when you are walking through the Esplanade Bush and learn about some of the species in the Bush.
Apollo Butterfly Park
2nd Sunday of each month
Love seeing monarch butterflies flitting around Palmy? Help keep the Apollo Butterfly Park looking beautiful, and the butterflies happy.
Apollo Park is a beautiful intimate butterfly shaped garden was laid out, with flowers and plants that support the butterflies. It is based in the Palmerston North suburb of Milson, the park is home to a butterfly sanctuary. This unique butterfly park is a first for Palmerston North and is a great place to see butterflies all year round.
Come and learn about the dedicated planting that has been used to attract the butterflies and see how many different butterflies you can spot. Apollo Park is a great place to take young children to find butterflies and explore around the garden. Make sure you look up into the trees to see the clusters of monarchs. To find out more or get involved in the working bees check out the Monarchs Apollo Park Facebook page.
Physical address:
Apollo Parade
Milson
Palmerston North
2nd Sunday of each month
Love seeing monarch butterflies flitting around Palmy? Help keep the Apollo Butterfly Park looking beautiful, and the butterflies happy.
Apollo Park is a beautiful intimate butterfly shaped garden was laid out, with flowers and plants that support the butterflies. It is based in the Palmerston North suburb of Milson, the park is home to a butterfly sanctuary. This unique butterfly park is a first for Palmerston North and is a great place to see butterflies all year round.
Come and learn about the dedicated planting that has been used to attract the butterflies and see how many different butterflies you can spot. Apollo Park is a great place to take young children to find butterflies and explore around the garden. Make sure you look up into the trees to see the clusters of monarchs. To find out more or get involved in the working bees check out the Monarchs Apollo Park Facebook page.
Physical address:
Apollo Parade
Milson
Palmerston North
Ahimate Reserve - Formerly Waitoetoe Park
Regular Working Bee: First Sunday of each month (except January), 9:30 - 11:30 am. All Welcome. Meet at the sandwich board at 9:30 am or, look for the flag along the riverside track. Please bring garden tools and gloves if you have them. Please supervise any children in your care.
Ahimate Reserve is a recreational area of open grassland, trees and a bush remnant lying between Buick Crescent and the Manawatū River. Access is via right-of-ways off Buick Crescent and also along the riverside pathway from Dittmer Drive.
The bush remnant, an original stand of totara and one mature northern rata, has had major replanting over the years by local residents, led originally by Bill Regnault. This remnant is now known as 'Bill's Bush' after his efforts.
Regular Working Bee: First Sunday of each month (except January), 9:30 - 11:30 am. All Welcome. Meet at the sandwich board at 9:30 am or, look for the flag along the riverside track. Please bring garden tools and gloves if you have them. Please supervise any children in your care.
Ahimate Reserve is a recreational area of open grassland, trees and a bush remnant lying between Buick Crescent and the Manawatū River. Access is via right-of-ways off Buick Crescent and also along the riverside pathway from Dittmer Drive.
The bush remnant, an original stand of totara and one mature northern rata, has had major replanting over the years by local residents, led originally by Bill Regnault. This remnant is now known as 'Bill's Bush' after his efforts.