The squad got an early start this morning and headed to the Landcare Research center after breakfast to absorb an interesting lecture from Colin Meurk. His presentation was about "Ecosystem Restoration Theory, Principles, and Practice." He informed us of New Zealand's current state of crisis. New Zealand has lost a significant amount of species since the first Polynesians arrived about 1,000 years ago. Much of the native wildlife (mostly birds) and vegetation has become extinct because of introduced or exotic species (especially mammals). This has caused declines in biodiversity and ecosystem services. Colin reviewed the eight main points of ecosystem restoration and explained the importance of restoration and the connection between people and nature. Some of the social and political values of the native natural community include aesthetics, physical recreation, spiritual healing, education, science, and tourism. He also reviewed the steps and challenges that need to be taken into consideration for restoration.
Colin's Lecture
Next on the agenda was a visit to Travis Wetlands for a nature walk and to
perform transect bird counts. We ate lunch and then Colin demonstrated the best technique for planting native trees. We then tramped into the wetland to begin our bird counts. We performed one point count and four transect counts for any birds seen with in a reasonable distance (20-40 meters). We split into groups of two. One student kept watch with binoculars for any birds seen and the other team mate would record the data. Some of the birds we viewed included Pukekos, Mallards, Grey Ducks, Grey Teals, European Starlings, Black swans, Paradise shell ducks, Canada geese, and Black birds.
Images of students performing transect bird counts
After all our hard work a break was much needed. We stopped at the "Naked Baker" for some coffee, tea, and snacks to rejuvenate. Afterwards we went to New Brighton Beach to observe and explore the coastal plant communities and dunes. It was a beautiful place. Across the street from the beach we enjoyed the local park where we rode the fox run, climbed trees, and tried out the other playground equipment.
We were all exhausted to say in the least by the end of this fantastic day!
Fox Run Fun
New Brighton Beach
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