Future Events

Quarantine Island exploration and picnic lunch

Join us for a day exploring Quarantine Island Kamau Taurua, a public Recreation Reserve and an Historic Area in Otago Harbour. Wander the trails to check out the regenerating forest and the interesting human history. Bring a pair of work gloves if you feel like doing some volunteer weeding. Tools are provided. To book a place contact Gretchen by Wednesday 20th Nov. as we need to book the boat in advance (boat cost will be covered by the BSO). Bring appropriate clothing, water and lunch.

Catlins Weekend

This is an adventurous weekend trip up the Tautuku River in the Catlins. We will follow local experts along trapline routes through mixed old growth and regenerating podocarp forest to investigate some interesting nooks. There is potential for exciting plant sightings. This trip requires a high level of fitness; we will be covering up to 10km of very rough routes through dense forest. Bring tramping boots, wet weather gear, food, water, and first aid kit. Contact Gretchen Brownstein (brownsteing@landcareresearch.co.nz) to book a spot (drive time: 2hrs one way, ~300kms return trip). Leaving Friday evening, returning Sunday.

The Hikaroroa Mt Watkin Conservation Group

Speaker: Jamie Hickling. The Hikaroroa/ Mt Watkin Scenic Reserve is a 660ha DCC reserve containing one of the best examples of remnant lowland podocarp and kowhai dominant forest in the region. Hikaroroa is also culturally significant as being the mauka tipuna for Kati Huirapa Ki Puketeraki. The Hikaroroa Mt Watkin Conservation Group is a community conservation group established in 2023 whose primary object is to protect the ecological values of the area. This talk will detail the conservation work the group has been doing and their plans moving into the future.

Maukaatua track

The walk starts from Woodside Glen, crosses Lee Creek, and heads up through mixed podocarp and beech forest. The low-alpine and rocky summit provides a great lunch spot, lots of lichen and bryophytes to observe, with stunning views. The 2.7 km return walk reaches around 895m and is a steep climb in places. Bring tramping shoes, lunch/snacks and lots of water. You may get wet feet crossing the creek. If the creek is too high to cross due to heavy rain, we can enjoy a shorter walk through Woodside Glen’s lush undergrowth. Meet at the Botany Department at 8:30am, or Woodside Glen at 9:10 am. Returning to Dunedin late afternoon. Contact Jo, 021 026 13580

Re-evaluating some common and rare Cortinarius species

Speaker: Andy Nilsen. Details tba.

Truby King Reserve, Seacliff

A day trip to explore the diverse botanical features of the Truby King Reserve (TBK). The TBK once formed part of the grounds of the Seacliff Hospital. It is now administered by the Dunedin City Council. There are survivals of the original - mostly introduced - tree plantings (which are currently being mapped). There are many more trees that have spread from the original plantings, many - native and introduced tree and shrub species - that have arrived spontaneously, and there are also ongoing informal plantings of - mostly - native trees. Some of the species present, such as sycamore, require ongoing control. The TKR has a good network of tracks, and it is a good place to visit if you like tall trees. We will investigate the different stands of TKR to see what mosses, liverworts, fungi and lichens are present, and what is happening to the woody debris that has been left in situ following cutting and pruning. Bring good walking shoes, something to eat and drink, and clothing for the weather on the day. Meet at the Botany Department car park at 9 am and return time 3 p.m. Contact Alex, 0210510014.

Field trip to Bungtown Conservation Area and Lake Mahinerangi

The Bungtown Conservation Area is a small (c. 3.5 ha) reserve in the headwaters of the Waitahuna River. It's a great example of an upland copper tussock bog with stands of bog pine (Halocarpus bidwillii). There's also a population of the declining Carex tenuiculmis sedge. After exploring this area we'll visit the nearby shore of Lake Mahinerangi where some lake shore turfs have tiny herbs such as the nationally vulnerable Gratiola concinna, mudwort (Limosella australis) and declining Maniototo button daisy (Leptinella maniototo). Meet at the Botany department car park at 9 am. Return by 4 pm. Leader John Barkla 027 326 7917.