Head east to experience Conservation Week | Taranaki News | Local News in Taranaki

CONSERVATION WEEK - from September 12 to 19, is a chance to celebrate our incredible natural areas, one of which is the amazing nature reserve at Lake Rotokare.
The 8.4km predator proof fence is allowing the forest and wetland to recover from browsers and pests, and the native fauna is breeding successfully, safe from the jaws of predators like stoats and rats.
The reserve is only 12 km from Eltham .The first event is on Wednesday, September15 from 10am until 2pm, where sanctuary stations will be set up around the lake for a spot of eco-detective work. Class groups can make their way around the walkway trying activities to discover things like how healthy the lake is, how to track and trap predators and how to attract some of the special birds found at Lake Rotokare.
You’ll identify the forest trees and even see live lizards. Melissa at educator@rotokare.org.nz will tell you more.
A Saturday night walk on September 18 will have you spotlighting in the lake, weta watching, bird listening and more! The guides will set of set off soon after 6.30pm or when it’s really dark. Bring the family.
Sunday 19th is volunteer day with a 9am start and hot lunch at 12.30. There’s something for everyone and you’ll be fully trained on the day. Check the fence or a trap or clear a monitoring line ready for the summer. There’s plenty more to do but bring warm clothes, good footwear, a drink and a snack.
It’s the volunteers that have made Rotokare what it is today, doing everything from monitoring the traplines to renovating old buildings. Site manager Simon Collins says it’s been a true community mission.
“An old classroom is being rebuilt along with a workshop, meeting room and residence.
“Volunteers are involved behind the scenes doing everything from applying for funding, data entry and record keeping and acting as guides.”
Simon says volunteers bring a wide range of skills, knowledge, and interests with them and those with less experience learn new skills.