Spring Sparks Community Conservation Across Rodney and Kaipara

Spring has been a fantastic opportunity for The Forest Bridge Trust to engage more people in local conservation efforts across Rodney and Kaipara.

We partnered with several local schools during Term 3, with Liz and Tris from our Defenders Programme inspiring primary school students to learn about the incredible wildlife found in their backyards. The Defenders Teams also taught them about the pest animals threatening these native species and explained how our traps help protect and restore our natural ecosystems.

Our Kaipara Moana Remediation Field Agents, Angela and Katie, guided over 120 students from local schools through hands-on planting sessions. During these sessions, students learned about river health, the critical role of riparian zones in providing habitats for various species, and how planting along waterways helps prevent sediment from entering rivers. The experience not only provided practical conservation skills but also fostered a deeper connection to the environment. It was inspiring to see so many young people eager to take action and care for the natural world around them.

In addition to our work with schools, we hosted several community events to celebrate and support the collective efforts of local wildlife protectors. Trappers from Tomarata North, Matakana, and Govan Wilson Road came together for afternoon gatherings featuring guest speakers, trapping demonstrations, and TrapNZ App training. These events provided a valuable space for participants to exchange stories, share tips, and discuss strategies for improving their trapping efforts. Moments like these highlight the importance of community in achieving long-term conservation goals.

A stall at the Kowhai Festival in Warkworth allowed our volunteer team to connect with even more families. A highlight of the event was the display of taxidermied pest animals, which sparked curiosity and engagement—especially among the children. These events remind us how vital volunteers are to the success of our community traplines. We’re grateful to the families who generously contribute a few hours each month to help monitor traps and make a real difference in protecting our native species.

We wrapped up the event season with a Wetlands Workshop in Whangaripo, hosted by Helen from our Community Liaison Team. The workshop featured expert speakers covering a wide range of topics, including wetland regeneration, fencing options, riparian planting, and the conservation of the endangered Australasian bittern. Attendees also learned how to monitor the health of streams and rivers. Following the presentations, the group headed out on a field visit to a nearby wetland, where they witnessed first-hand how a thriving wetland supports biodiversity and plays a crucial role in water management.

This spring has shown us the incredible impact of bringing communities together to protect and restore the environment. Whether through school programmes, volunteer trapping efforts, or practical workshops, it’s clear that every action—no matter how small—contributes to the bigger picture of conservation. We look forward to continuing this journey with the many passionate individuals and families who are helping to build a safer, healthier environment for our native wildlife.