It’s all go in Brooklyn! Working bees, river sampling, planting…

By Kim Burridge 

A crew of seven had a successful working bee yesterday morning, once again tackling the Old Man’s Beard (OMB) mess adjacent to Blue Gum corner. These hedges are very close to the Motueka River and are adjacent to an extensive stretch of new riverbank native planting, so it seems well worth trying to reduce the OMB seed spreading in that immediate area. 

We have completed one hedge and will continue clearing the second hedge at our final 2024 working bee on Saturday 7th December.

Upcoming events 

Regular water testing in the Brooklyn Stream is now underway with the second monthly testing taking place this week, and Paul, Joe and Nick are training alongside Tasman Bay Guardian’s Kate Radloff.  Testing is a complex process measuring multiple aspects of water health, with testing sites up the Brooklyn valley and at the confluence of the Brooklyn Stream/Motueka River. 

 Next BOMB Squad working bee – Saturday 7th December from 10am – 12noon (after that, we’ll take a break until late February) 

 Planting project 

Helen has drawn up a planting plan and this is currently with the Motueka Catchment Collective for consideration.  Once it’s finalised, they will help us to source plants for next winter.  In the meantime, Steve still has a bit of willow tidying to do as well as a spray.  Next job for our planting group is to mark out and clear a small track through the area.  We can take a wander through here during our potluck picnic! 

Possible new trapping project 

The MCC is keen to support a backyard pest trapping project in Brooklyn and Dean has put his hand up to find out more about it. 

As always, thank you to everyone for their enthusiasm and commitment.  The locals around Brooklyn are noticing our presence and really appreciative of the changes we’re making.