The Lake Waihola Waipori Wetlands Society are holding a family day at Bakers Point, Waihola on Sunday 28th November, starting at 10:00 am. The family day has been organised by the Society to give people from the community and the region an opportunity to learn more about the Society, as well as highlighting the importance of the wetlands to the wider catchment. The Society has been successful in gaining $280,000 from various funding agencies to begin an important weed control programme on the 2157 hectare wetland in January 2011. Information on that programme will be available on the day.
The Society has been generously supported by Graeme Gale of Helicopters Otago who has offered to provide short flights over the wetlands for people to be see the scale and nature of the wetlands in this area. Flights will be for approximately 5 minutes and the public can only take up this offer by joining the Society for a year at a cost of $45 per person. The family day will also include boat rides into the wetlands provided by experienced community members to provide the public with a close up view of the diversity and beauty of this inaccessible area. Boat rides will also be conditional of passengers signing up for membership of the Wetlands Society for a year, a family membership is $50.00/ Adult $30.00/ Child/senior $20.00. Families are welcome to participate in this event and people will be briefed on the day regarding safety procedures for the helicopter and the boats.
Fish and Game representatives will be provide information on wetland management and game bird information for the region, while Department of Conservation staff will have tanks of the different native fish that are found in the Otago region. The Otago Regional Council will also provide demonstrations of the Stream Health Monitoring & Assessment Kits that can be utilised by community groups when looking at water quality in your area. With all this information and excitement people attending the day will be able to take advantage of a sausage sizzle provided by the Waihola Yacht Club.
This is a rare opportunity for families and people interested in seeing the wetlands to come to Waihola and experience a fascinating and significant area within your region.
Posted in Biodiversity, Clutha District, Conservation, Mahinga kai, New Zealand, Otago, Recreation, Waihola, Waipori, Wetlands
Tagged Biodiversity, Community Initiatives, Conservation, Habitat restoration, International Year of Biodiversity, Local News, LWWWS, Mahinga kai, New Zealand, Otago, Waihola, Waipori, Water Quality, wetlands
Lake Waihola Waipori Wetlands Society 
