Future Events
Talks are held in the Zoology Benham Building, 346 Great King Street, behind the Zoology car park by the old Captain Cook Hotel. This is where we used to meet pre-covid. Please use the main entrance of the Benham Building to enter and go to the Benham Seminar Room, Room 215, located on the second floor. Please be prompt as we have to hold the door open. Zoom links for the talks are sent to members, join the BSO here.
Trips leave from the Department of Botany car park.
Talk / Seminar on Wednesday 12th of February 2025, 05:20 PM (1 month from now)
Contact: Lydia Metcalfe
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.
Field Trip on Saturday 22nd of February 2025, 08:30 AM (2 months from now)
Contact: Jo
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
Talk / Seminar on Wednesday 12th of March 2025, 05:20 PM (2 months from now)
Contact: Jo
Speaker: Andy Nilsen. Details tba.
Field Trip on Saturday 15th of March 2025, 09:00 AM (2 months from now)
Contact: Alex Wearing
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.
Talk / Seminar on Saturday 12th of April 2025, 09:00 AM (3 months from now)
Contact: John Barkla
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.