Hello all
Just back from the Department of Conservation organized *wildling tree day in Northern Southland.
A great day in the hills with about 40 like minded people.Transport via 4 wheeled vehicles up the very steep switch backs to the work site and lunch ,were both provided by DOC in return for a day of voluntary work.
After a week of landscaping i had a worry it would turn out as a sort of a 'bus mans holiday' for me ,however after a lot of laughs as well as some serious discussions i committed ,with most of the others, to attend the next planned day in 5 months time.
* Wilding trees are classed as Pinus sps which were planted in the 1950s in an attempt to halt soil erosion in the Mid Dome area.This has been far too successful with the seed being carried downwind many many kilometres and affecting huge areas of pastoral lands.
The main control now is by helicopter spraying/chainsaw gangs in an attempt to rid the slopes of all the Pinus and allow the natural tussock grass cover to re establish.
Our effect was concentrated on visiting slopes that had a chainsaw gang go through 4 years ago.
Had a quick look around during lunch but as expected it was too early to find anything in bloom.Most of the following are scenery shots.
Cheers Dave