Another fantastic effort from the Ōwhango Alive team at our February working bee in the Ohinetonga Scenic Reserve.
Ten volunteers gathered at the Whakapapa Bridge, tools in hand and ready to tackle the ever-persistent privet and blackberry. Despite a hot and humid morning — with the river looking far more inviting than the task ahead — the team got straight to work.
We split into groups and focused on clearing blackberry and privet around the carpark area and along the roadside. Other teams tackled broom, bracken and lupins, all thriving after recent rain and warm weather. Growth has been vigorous, so it was truly all hands on deck.
After two solid hours of hacking and hauling, three trailer loads of weeds were delivered to the burn pile. The difference is already visible, although there is always more to do. A few sore muscles may have been the price of progress!
As is tradition, we finished the morning with a well-earned lunch and coffee at the Ōwhango Blue Hill Café — a reward we felt was entirely justified.
If you would like to be part of our next working bee, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us at owhangoalive@yahoo.com
and we will add you to our volunteer list.
Together, we are making a difference in the Ohinetonga Scenic Reserve.
