OUR PROGRAMS & PROJECTS
Our programs and projects are designed to engage and educate communities about the importance of conservation and environmental protection. Through interactive workshops, field trips, and hands-on experiences, we aim to foster a deep connection with nature and promote sustainable practices for a better future.
Environmental Education
Empowering the next generation with environmental knowledge is crucial for building a sustainable future. Our educational programs for children and young adults instill a sense of responsibility towards nature, nurturing a generation of conservation-minded individuals.
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Marine Metre Squared
Our mission is for New Zealand to have the best understood coastline in the world.
Established in 2013 by the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre – University of Otago, the Marine Metre² project was developed to encourage communities to get involved in monitoring and protecting the seashore and the many species that call it home.
By raising awareness of the unique biodiversity and vital role the seashore plays in linking land and sea, Marine Metre² helps communities better understand their local marine environment. With this knowledge we can identify how the seashore is changing and what we can do to care for it.
The Marine Metre Squared survey takes place at the Manawatu Estuary. This involves going into the estuary and seeing what animals and plants can be found in a square metre, which tells us how healthy the estuary is.
This programme is linked to the Marine Studies Centre of Otago University, which you can look at via their website https://mm2.net.nz/
We have a variety of resources for pre-survey and post-survey which helps students to understand our estuary and the complex food webs.
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Litter Intellegence
Litter is a major risk to the people, culture, environment and economy of Aotearoa, especially when it enters our marine environment. We lack reliable and standardised data to inform better decision-making, and though Kiwis are extremely concerned about the build-up of plastics in the environment, communities lack the capability, opportunity and motivation to engage in environmental monitoring and reporting.
Litter Intelligence is Aotearoa’s first and only national litter monitoring programme, enabling communities to collect data, gain insights and take action to prevent litter. Developed and launched in 2018 in collaboration with Stats NZ, the Department of Conservation and with funding from the Ministry for the Environment, the platform provides open, scientifically rigorous litter data from hundreds of survey sites around the country.
We provide the resources for the collection of rubbish in the Estuary and surrounding areas, as well as assisting in data collection and analysis.
Pest Control
Restoring and conserving ecosystems is a critical aspect of our environmental efforts.
It is well known that Aotearoa New Zealand has its fair share of introduced species and that many of them have become a serious problem around the estuary. Efforts are being made to control and eradicate them, but it is a continuous battle that needs constant effort to keep on top of it.
More information can be found on the Manawatū Estuary Trust website.
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Fauna
Many species, such as possums, rodents (rats and mice) and mustelids (weasels, stoats and ferrets) are well documented and present around this area. These pests are natural predators of birds, eggs, and chicks, and they have contributed to the decline and even extinction of some native bird species.
Wildlife Foxton Trust has a trap library for various pest species. We are able to loan out possum specific traps, with instructions for use in the Foxton Beach area.
If you would to enquire about loaning a trap, please fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page.
Before commencing any trapping of Mustelids, Rats or Possums please consult Department of Conservation booklet Practical Guide to Trapping 3rd edition.
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Flora
One of the major threats to the indigenous flora of the area is the number of exotic species which have become naturalised, encroaching and usurping native species from some specialised habitats, especially the dunes.
Many of the problem species are escapees from gardens which prove to be rampant once outside and left to their own devices. While many are not serious pests there is something gardeners can do and that is to grow species that are not likely to be troublesome. A booklet produced by Weedbusters New Zealand can be downloaded here which gives some alternatives to a number of potential pest species.
For a hands-on experience a fortnightly work party undertakes weeding sessions on a Sunday morning, and it is a good way to learn of the problems and to gain experience at identifying problem species. There is also a weekly work party on a Wednesday. If you are interested in helping with this important work, please use the contact form for more information.
Community Engagement
Engaging local communities is at the heart of our conservation efforts. We collaborate with residents, schools, and organizations to implement initiatives that directly benefit the environment and wildlife habitats. Together, we can create a positive impact on the natural world.
Ecosystem Preservation
The health of estuary ecosystems is vital. We work towards preserving estuary and dune habitats, conducting research, and advocating for policies that safeguard these important ecosystems.
By protecting the biodiversity of these, we contribute to the well-being of both native life and humanity.
Environmental Advocacy
Advocating for sound environmental policies is essential for creating a sustainable future. We engage in policy discussions, collaborate with decision-makers, and raise awareness about pressing environmental issues. By advocating for change, we strive to protect the natural world for generations to come.