Alp Foothills Restoration with Trevor and Heather

Today we traveled into the Alp foothills near the town of Springfield to visit with landowners Trevor and Heather Taege. Trevor and Heather own a large farm right on the beautiful Waimakariri River. Over the past 3 years, Trevor and Heather have planted over 5 acres of native plants on their farm. Planting native plants helps reduce the prevalence of diseases, increase native wildlife biodiversity, and decrease the amount of maintenance that would be required compared to exotics. Trevor and Heather have received their funding from several organizations such as the Malvern Lions Club, the Selwyn District Council, and Environment Canterbury. 

Trevor discussing our restoration project

Unfortunately, a recent snow and wind storm has damaged many of the native plants. Several of the large branches landed on the juvenile plants and are restricting their growth. Our restoration project was cutting and removing branches that had fallen from the recent storm and had landed onto young native plants. We cut and lifted several large branches and moved them to a place nearby away from the young natives. Some of the branches were so large that I was definitely getting a strenuous upper body workout today. I have slacking on workouts recently, so I am glad that the activity was 

rigorous.

                                                        Derek lifting a large tree branch

Gaby saving the native plants

During the morning activities, Trevor also pointed out some of the native plant species in the area. Some of the common species that we saw today are Kanuka, Manuka, Cabbage Tree, Totara, Kahikatea, and Lancewood. We also looked at specific characteristics of many species to differentiate them. After lunch, Trevor talked more about his farm and important planting techniques. He pointed out that it is important for each native plant to be planted greater than a meter a part. Planting too close together or overplanting is a common restoration mistake. Planting at the appropriate distance apart is important so each plant can uptake enough nutrients to survive and live a long life. In addition, Trevor felt that in New Zealand it is important to plant natives in Spring (late August/September). Plants that are planted at this time of year have the best chance of surviving. Planting distance and time of year are vital factors of the planning stage in a successful native plant restoration project. As important as the planning is, over the course of our restoration projects here in New Zealand, we have seen that the maintenance of the restoration project has been the most challenging. This is because maintenance is usually not as appealing as the initial planting stage and because it requires added time, energy, and money that can often be unexpected. It felt good to help Trevor and Helen with their restoration maintenance today.

Niko modeling shot

After finishing the restoration in the afternoon, Trevor gave us an elaborate sheep herding display and shearing demonstration. It was truly a remarkable site to see. First, the sheep dog “Pete” showed off his skills rounding up sheep. Then Trevor sheared a sheep. Then, Trevor explained a bit about how the business of sheep farming works. He explained that sheep wool grows about ½ inch a month; so sheering season is usually around twice a year. When the wool is sold, it usually goes towards making clothing and goods similar to it.

Trevor shearing the sheep

Group picture

Waimakariri River

After our sheep presentation, we had a couple of Heather’s homemade biscuits and headed to a hiking trail called Lords Bush. 

Lord's Bush Scenic Trail

While walking on the trail we saw a couple native plant species including, Bracken Fern, Black Beech, and New Zealand Jasmine. We also licked some of the honeydew drops from the Black Beech trees. After this, we headed back to Lincoln, Derek and I went on a nice run, and we all had dinner at the dining hall. Today was a truly fantastic day. I am going to try to enjoy every moment left of this incredible experience.

Have a great night.

“Don’t count the days. Make the days count.” - Muhammad Ali

-Lawson