Wildlife centre plants hope for future impact
Seeds planted by a closing wildlife centre hope to continue native reclamation and conservation work into the future.
While Ellen Plaisier and the Koru Native Wildlife Centre’s board are sad to see the centre close, they are finding comfort and pride in continuing the Centre’s legacy of work.
But as the Grovetown Centre closes, Ellen says that the Tui Nature Reserve Trust’s ongoing missions means the Centre’s impact will reach far into the future.
“It was and is our goal to restore some of Marlborough’s native forest and to breed native species with the purpose to release in predator-controlled areas. “We really enjoyed the support of many volunteers and the interest from the community.
“Unfortunately, the Trust is no longer sustainable due to the lack of financial support however we feel that the previous and current board members can be proud of the achievements the Trust has reached during the past 13 years.
“At this stage we are removing aviaries from the site, but the native tree garden we planted (at the centre in Grovetown) is a testimony to how quick and resilient native plants can grow – it is enjoyed by a lot of birdlife, including a few Tui.” While the Koru Centre has closed, many other projects that Ellen, husband Brian and wider supporters have achieved will continue.
The Trust’s work has restored more than 80 hectares of native bush at the Tui Nature Reserve in the Outer Pelorus. Yellow Crowned Kakariki and Giant Weta from the centre’s breeding facilities in the Marlborough Sounds, the Abel Tasman National Park and at Pukaha Sanctuary in the North Island.
“What we have enjoyed the most is to seeing conservation work in the community growing and many people, young and old, active to improve our native wildlife and its habitat in Marlborough.
“We had very supportive reactions from educators and other organisations alike to the closure of the centre but the acceptance that without financial support it is a very difficult task to continue our activities,” Ellen explains. “Lochmara and Natureland, who are also involved in breeding of native species for release, are helping to rehome animals from the centre.
“Tui Nature Reserve Wildlife Trust would like to thank all of you that were involved to reach those achievements, the many volunteers, visitors, students, NZ King Salmon and other sponsors, organisations, previous and current Board members and many others.”
The native planting programme started in Grovetown with the financial support of the Matariki Tu Rakau Fund.
This will be looked fater after privately once the trust is dissolved in December.
The next planting day is on the 3rd of October - email info@tuinativereserve.co.nz to register