Free family fun for Conservation Week

14 September 2011

Free family fun for Conservation Week

Riccarton Bush in Christchurch will come alive for Conservation Week, with a fabulous fun family day called "Meet our forest families" on Sunday 18 September.

"A forest is so much more than trees and we invite you to come discover this with us as we hunt for kiwi, suck up bugs and much more," says Phillipa Gardner, educator with the Department Conservation.

"Families can pick up one of our self-guided activity booklets, or go on one of our guided walks, happening every half hour throughout the day."

"Riccarton Bush is right on our doorstep offering the opportunity to experience the area's beautiful native bush and wildlife right in the centre of Christchurch," she said.

The event is being run in partnership with Riccarton Bush Trust, Ngāi Tahu, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Orana Park, Enviroschools, Arthur's Pass Wildlife Trust, Forest & Bird, Environment Canterbury and Christchurch City Council.

"We've got craft stalls and weaving, face-painting and games and Willowbank is bringing along their tuatara for you to meet!" said Phillipa.

Activities start at 10 am and run til 4 pm. To find out more and go into the draw for a fun prize pack, visit www.doc.govt.nz/forestfamilies.

'My heart is like a forest' fun activities
Go to the ‘things to make’ page under the kids section of the Conservation Week website – www.conservationweek.org.nz - to find fun activities featuring six fabulous forest creatures. Bring your fabulous creations along to the family fun day - we'd love to see them!

What else is happening for Conservation Week?
The Conservation Week website is the place to go to find out about fun activities happening throughout Canterbury and the entire country!

www.conservationweek.org.nz

Background information

Event title: Meet our Forest Families
Date: Sunday 18 September 2011
Time: 10 am - 4 pm
Location: Riccarton Bush, Ngahere St entrance, Christchurch
Cost: Free
Web: www.doc.govt.nz/forestfamilies
Conservation Week: 11 - 18 September
Theme: Love New Zealand Arohaina i a Aotearoa

Conservation Week is about showing how much you love New Zealand!
Join thousands of people all across the country to celebrate New Zealand's unique wildlife, our incredible natural areas, and the places that are part of our history.
From 11-18 September 2011 you can take part in events, complete education activities and watch conservation programmes on TVNZ 7 to show Aotearoa how much you love it.

Conservation Week is a partnership between DOC and TVNZ 7.

ENDS

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