Helpers sought for Otawa Sanctuary planting

The Bay of Plenty has an strong and extensive history of community groups working to conserve endangered wildlife and protected forests.

The establishment of the Otawa Sanctuary in the hills behind Te Puke is the most recent success for efforts over many years to protect the habitat of the rare Otawa Hochstetter’s frog.

A community trust has been formed, the Te Whakakaha Conservation Trust, and they are hosting a planting day at the site of the Otawa Sanctuary at the top of No 3 Road on September 15 to celebrate the start of Conservation Week.

“We have been fortunate to obtain a grant from the Lion Foundation to purchase native tree seedlings to restore the site of the previous quarry operations on part of the land and would welcome everyone to come along and help,” says treasurer, Barry Galpin.

Volunteers are asked to meet at the gate signposted near the top of No 3 Road at 10am to be guided to the site. Take a spade if you can, though there will be some tools available.

There will be a barbecue for lunch, but take drinks and solid footwear.

For further information contact Barry Galpin 573 4632.

■ Conservation Week this year runs from September 15 to 23 and the Department of Conservation is celebrating 30 years of working with communities.