Maps give children time outside with nature
SOME Otago children will be able to earn medals while connecting with nature through a Department of Conservation initiative which is spreading to the regions.
The department (Doc) launched a Kiwi Guardian adventure site at a 40minute track at Flat Top Hill, near Butchers Dam, outside Alexandra this month.
It plans to open more this year around the Wanaka and Makarora regions, and perhaps more near Alexandra.
The initiative is an alliance with Toyota, focused on getting children aged 6 to 10 interested in the outdoors.
The other Otago location is Dunedin, which has seven sites, and there are more than 50 throughout the country.
Children get a map which outlines activities and adventures throughout the sites, for which they get medals on completion. These can be sent out to the children in the post, free of charge.
Doc education officer Anita Anderson said the rewards were meant to incentivise the children to connect with nature.
‘‘It’s around providing some easy entrylevel experiences for families so kids can get out and enjoy nature.
‘‘we’re really trying to just get them out connecting and having a good time.’’
The programme outlines conservationbased activities the children can do at home to earn the medals such as attracting lizards or cattracking.
Flat Top Hill adventure maps are available online, at the Alexandra Doc office and the Alexandra Public Library.
jono.edwards@odt.co.nz