We had a fantastic night at the Matariki Spotlight Event at the Brook Sanctuary! Tasman Bay Guardians teamed up with Waimarama Brook Sanctuary to bring nearly 30 locals from the Brook sub-catchment together for a special guided fish spotlighting event. 🌟
Despite the cold night, we were thrilled to discover a variety of macroinvertebrates, a few koura (freshwater crayfish), and even a kōaro (Galaxias brevipinnis)! 🦐🐟 The goal was to provide a fun, educational experience and to explore the possibility of forming a Brook Valley catchment group. This group would support the Sanctuary Halo by engaging in activities like planting native trees, monitoring water quality, controlling invasive species, and advocating for greater conservation efforts. 🏞️💧
After our exciting discoveries, we wrapped up with a whānau BBQ, allowing everyone to have a kōrero (chat) and strengthen community ties. It was a wonderful way to bring people together and discuss future conservation initiatives.
A huge thank you to Paul Fisher from Nelson City Council and Shani Bennett and Akira Doura from the Sanctuary for their invaluable help. 🙌 Your expertise and support were key to making this event a success!
We’re so grateful for everyone who joined us and made this event a memorable one. Here’s to more community-driven conservation efforts in the future! 🌿💙