After months of research, monitoring, goal-setting, planning and planting, the student kaitiaki of Donald’s Creek are busy designing and creating in preparation for yet another exciting part of the journey to restore Donald’s Creek. On Saturday 30th of November, we invite the community to come along to a fun-filled, freshwater monitoring family event where everyone can spend some time getting to know the stream, learn about the project, and celebrate the great mahi achieved so far!
Save the date:
- When: Saturday 30 November, 12noon-2.30pm
- Where: Donald’s Creek Restoration site, between SH2 and SH53.
- Access to event from Donald Street (north end) approximately 50m up from crn of Revans Street. We recommend biking or walking to the site! Parking also available on Donald Street. (NO PARKING or access to site at any time during event on SH53.)
What can I do at the event?
The programme of activities includes: fresh water monitoring by St Teresa’s Kaitiaki and Mountains to Sea Wellington; an insight into the history of the stream and the plan for its future, including riparian planting by the students; have a go with several models and demonstrations, such as a catchment model and water purification; as well as a “Donald’s Creek treasure hunt”, stream races, and various other activities for kids, yum food; and… hopefully some music, as well as some surprise elements!
At the event we will also get to meet and learn about some of the fish and critters living in the stream, such as macroinvertebrates (see above photos from a recent class room macroinvertebrates identification session!), eels, bullies and inanga; all important indicators of stream health! We may even be joined by a few dung beetles who are working hard to reduce pollution to our streams. There will also be an opportunity to help clean up the stream, pick up handy tips about how to become smarter with our waste, and to reduce urban pollution to our waterways.
During the past weeks the students have been working on designs for some of the interactive tools and resources, which the community will be able to sample and enjoy at the event. As I am writing this article, the student kaitiaki are also due to participate in a field day event where they will explore the local history of Donald’s Creek, including big picture connections with the Wairarapa Moana and wider Wairarapa waterways, the journey of the tuna, flood management, and how the creek got its name. No doubt this new learning will feed into our community event on 30 November!
The Donald’s Creek Restoration Community Event is a unique opportunity for everyone in Featherston to come along and discover, explore and connect with their local stream. This is also an opportunity to explore exciting local and real opportunities for enabling restoration of biodiversity through, and within, our urban spaces, and in this way, improving habitat and returning native fish species to our local waterways.
To find out more about the project, or if you would like to have a presence at or help out at the event, run a stall, a sausage sizzle or bring some baking to share, head to https://donaldscreek.photo.blog/blog-feed/ or contact Siv on 0212 567 441.
We are tremendously grateful to various groups and individuals who are supporting the project, including Mountains to Sea Wellington, South Wairarapa Rotary Club, the Featherston Mens Shed, South Wairarapa District Council and Featherston Community Board, Greater Wellington Regional Council, Enviroschools and Sustainable Coastlines, and more are keen to come on board.
Donald's Creek Kaitiakitanga Project 