Forest & Bird commemorated 100 years with a Big Birthday Bash at Bushy Park Tarapuruhi. Photo / Jacqui McGowan
Hundreds of visitors streamed into Bushy Park Tarapuruhi Sanctuary to commemorate 100 years of Forest & Bird, with assisted trips and embellished cakes available.
Bushy Park teacher Keith Beautrais said Saturday’s occasion marked how happy Forest & Bird was of the accomplishments of previous generations.
“We are determined to take on even bigger challenges in the next 100 years.”
Beautrais said any ages participated in the birthday occasion, and assisted trips were provided by 15 trainees from St John’s Hill, Westmere and Brunswick Schools.
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“All generations came to the party, from the young guides from the environment schools to their grandparents.”
Bushy Park Tarapuruhi client Hamish McDouall said the speakers and activities available, such as leaf rubbings and scavenger hunts, would motivate the next generation.
“It sparks that interest and passion for the birds and their habitat, and if you get it young, you’ve got them for life.”
McDouall said Bushy Park Sanctuary was a terrific example of what might be accomplished in collaboration, with Forest & Bird, regional iwi, the regional council and volunteers interacting.
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“It was really cool to be there as tūī and tīeke and all these other birds were giving a chorus around the gathering.”
Three cakes were talented by Dale Pullen and baked by Bushy Park Homestead baker Lisa Miller, with a picture of the popular black robin Old Blue embellishing one cake.
The Department of Conservation and Horizons Regional Council stalls provided info on weeds and predator traps, and there was a coffee cart and icecream van for drinks.
Forest & Bird was begun by volunteers and does practical preservation operate in more than 120 reserves throughout the nation, with tasks such as the Kiwi Conservation Club and Forest & Bird Youth.
