Some history, botany, ornithology and pest control in Tawa bush reserves
This course is NOT just for Tawa residents but for all who are interested in trees and wildlife in their back yard.
Sessions over six weeks
Week 1. Tawa the tree, the origin of the suburb name, features of tawa trees, iconic symbols of the Tawa community, location, history and features of twelve of the Tawa bush reserves. |
Week 2. Structure of NZ bush. How to identify and learn features of 20 native trees in the Tawa bush reserves, their characteristics and uses by early Māori in NZ. Hands on identification. |
Week 3. Early evening walk in part of Redwood Bush and Larsen Crescent reserves – identifying native trees and their recognition features as we go. |
Week 4. Birds in Tawa bush reserves – prior to European settlement and as they are today – evidence of sampling done in a reserve. Surveys of lizard populations and pest control in the reserves of Tawa. What trees to grow to attract native bird species to gardens? |
Week 5. Early evening walk in St Annes Reserve and Redwood Bush from Brasenose Place to Achilles Close – identifying the native trees and also birds as we see or hear them. |
Week 6. Early evening walk in a further Tawa bush reserve to observe and identify flora and fauna, depending on the interest and wishes of the group. These could be Wilf Mexted Reserve or Charles Duncan Reserve or else part of Woodburn Reserve. |