Put on your boots, grab a hat and gloves and lend a hand

Working bee volunteers on the job. PHOTO / SUPPLIED

Conservation Week (September 8-15) is a great opportunity for us to show support for our local environment.

Conservation in New Zealand is taking some major hits, with DoC being restructured again, mining on the Denniston Plateau looming and proposed RMA changes that put big business profit ahead of community considerations and environmental values.

Thus Conservation Week's theme for 2013 "exploring and taking action for New Zealand's natural heritage" is most appropriate, for if we don't take action, who will?

I certainly have happy memories of taking my young family on many working bees and walks in the Manawatu region. These always presented learning opportunities and fostered a love of the environment that has greatly enhanced their lives.

School children can have fun entering their photographs in the DoC, Horizons and Wanganui Camera Centre competition "What's your whanau doing?" in or for the environment (details at www.horizons.govt.nz). Some cool prizes and native plants for their school are up for grabs !

If you fancy a trip to the beach, Progress Castlecliff's Coast Care group are planting on the rear dunes on Sunday 8 September (back up for inclement weather is 15th), meet the team at the Duncan Pavilion at 10 am. A nice warm lunch will be provided for helpers in the pavilion at noon (for further details phone me on 344-1012).

On Tuesday, September 10 it's the turn of Friends of Gordon Park to host a planting and weeding session at Gordon Park Scenic Reserve, corner of No 3 Line and Kaimatira Rd. These are a keen bunch, so it's a 9.30 am start, with a free barbecue lunch at 1 pm to celebrate Conservation Week.

Volunteer groups who work hard all year will greatly appreciate your interest and valuable help.

For those of you in Taumarunui, there is a working bee on the Te Maire loop track on Thursday, September 12, 9am to 3pm; lunch is provided. Saturday (September 14) is the Te Maire Open Day. This is all about taking the family along for a walk and DoC talk on the cultural heritage and history of the area. Again, a free barbecue lunch is on offer.

DoC's community relations ranger Adele Meyer is the contact, call 06 349 2100 or ameyer@doc.govt.nz.

DoC and their helpers are putting a lot of effort into providing us with local events for Conservation Week, so put on your boots, grab a hat and - if you're planning to work hard - a pair of gloves too.

Conservation Week is your chance to contribute to the local environment. Show you care.

Graham Pearson is involved in Progress Castlecliff's Coast Care project and on the Sustainable Whanganui Trust