Bat monitoring

In October Mangaiti Gully was part of a city wide survey to establish the location of Pekapeka, Long-tailed Bat colonies. Seven electronic detectors were put in our gully for four nights but unfortunately nothing was recorded. Although we were forever hopeful the result was not that surprising. The known colonies tend to be located in the southern part of the city.

Rainbow Skinks

The Rainbow Skink is an Australian import and has become a pest because of their ability to breed prolifically in New Zealand. Check this link for details http://tinyurl.com/8x4dbtv . If you find one you should kill it. If anyone sees one could you please send us an email. Thanks.

Mortimer’s Book

Waikato Environment Centre donated a copy of the book Trees and their Bark by John and Bunny Mortimer to our group. This is now available for borrowing. Contact Rex Bushell 854-0973.

Weed control Season

With the winter planting of 2768 native trees/plants behind us weed control becomes a priority with the onset of the spring flush. We are focusing on mulching the grass open areas with a regular supply of donated mulch (see the photo above with the digger in it). This is to retain the ground moisture during the summer dry period and to suppress the weeds.

Saturday Working Bee

The working bee this Saturday will be meeting at the foot bridge. We will be doing follow up weeding in areas that have already been cleared. This is generally light work and only requires secateurs. Maybe a hand fork or trowel could be useful. Gumboots and gardening gloves are a must. Don’t forget to bring something for your morning tea.

Shade House

We are planning to build a shade house to house our 680 plus native plants we have in pots. One thing we are still looking for is weed mat to go on top of pit sand which will be spread on the floor. We are looking at about 10sqm. That is 5m x 2m. Second hand matting is fine. If you know of some please drop us an email or give us a ring. Thanks.

Funding for Possum traps & DOC 250

We have received funding from Waikato Regional Council for two possum cage traps, three DOC250 traps (these trap ferrets, stoats, weasels, rats and hedgehogs) and $340 worth of baits. This has only just happened so we have not got the traps yet however if any of you that live on the gully and are having trouble with possums contact us and we can supply you with a trap. The photo is of possum damage done to a lemon tree at a St James Drive property.