CONSERVATION WEEK ADVERTISING FEATURE
There are plenty of ways people across the Hauraki-Coromandel can take care of nature this Conservation Week from April 20.
This year’s theme ‘Always be naturing’ encourages people across the country to play their part in taking care of nature because after all, naturing works best when everyone’s involved.
The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai has a selection of resources to help people and workmates to turn everyday work habits into actions for nature. One way people can take action is by helping to root out weeds.
According to the DOC website, New Zealand is the “weediest” place on Earth.
Another way people can get involved is to set up traps to catch predators and give native species a fighting chance.
“About 68,000 native birds are killed every night by predators like rats, stoats and possums,” DOC said.
The Predator Free New Zealand Trust has a guide for people to start backyard trapping, and for people who are short on time, there is also an option to try self-resetting traps.
If people are interested in helping beyond their own backyard, the Trust can help connect others with community trapping groups from all around the country.
Another simple and effective way to help out is by picking up litter.
This action can help keep water and soil clean, and look after the health and safety of native species.
People don’t need to travel far to join others in the mission to keep spaces in New Zealand litter-free. Collecting rubbish from places where it shouldn’t be helps to prevent it from entering the water ways, oceans and native areas.
