The Orari River Protection Group (ORPG) is holding an open day this weekend to show the community what the group is trying to achieve and some of the methods it uses.
Demonstrations will be on native tree planting on the river berm, measuring the river’s water quality, followed by a demonstration on trapping.
The group has been running for over two decades after forming in 2003 to fight a proposal to dam the river just below the Orari Gorge.
Over that time, the group has trapped countless predators, weeded out noxious plants, and kept a close eye on water quality through quarterly assessments.
Chairman Drew Brown said it was not only physical labour which went into the river’s protection; the group had also presented submissions whenever proposals or legislation might effect the integrity of the river.
Recently, the group was working to support Environment Canterbury’s berm restoration project, which has involved planting native trees in shaded areas along the river berms.
Mr Brown said once the trees were established, they would provide a seed source which would eventually spread plants throughout the berm.
The berm has a wide range of introduced trees and weeds.
Two local primary schools — Woodbury School and Carew Peel Forest School — helped plant the natives.
Mr Brown said the pupils were "terrific" at planting the trees.
"They’re really excellent."
The natives planted were growing well so far.
"The growth rate in some areas is extraordinary."
He said he could see the protection work done by the group over the years was having an effect, with bats detected along the river, rare birds nesting successfully thanks to effective trapping, rare vertebrates surviving and flora allowed to flourish and survive.
"But it’s a long hard road and we are only a small group doing as much as we can. We are very thankful for funding from ECan and from Community Trust Mid and South Canterbury for grants, but most especially to our valiant volunteers who put in a lot of mahi, without whom we would be totally ineffective."
He said the group would continue applying for funding for capital items in January, especially for thermal AI cameras which would make their trapping programme a lot more efficient and effective.
"Replacement and repair are always a factor in budgeting a conservation budget, and we have to plan ahead for all eventualities
and costs.
"Sometimes success is hard to evaluate, but we have seen many years of fledglings of rare river bird species survive because of the ORPG’s efforts.
"Also, the presence of bats, populations of threatened invertebrates as well as the flourishing of rare fauna just gives us all a pat on the back."
For example, bellbirds, tuis and a rare kaka are constant visitors to his and his wife Sally’s garden next to the Orari River.
"When we moved to this property 37 years ago, we had an oak and a few walnut trees and very few native birds.
"After a lot of work, we now have 10 acres of native trees and plants that host all these wonderful native birds cohabiting with us.
"We trap on our own property, a skill that we learnt from ORPG.
"The birdsong is delicious."
The community day will also provide an opportunity for people to ask about being a member volunteer.
"We are keen to embrace all age groups. From students to retired folks who can certainly cope with the trapping runs that we do, as well as perhaps offer skills such as accounting, submission writing, fundraising.
"Just come and see us and ask as many questions as you can on the day."
The day will be held on Sunday, December 1, from 10am to 3pm.
Attendees will meet at the junction of Silverton Rd and Lloyd Rd. Mr Brown promised no-one would have to cross the river at any stage.
"Bring your own picnic lunch."
The group can be contacted through its newly created Facebook site Orari River Protection Group Ltd, or by phoning Mr Brown on (03)692-2852.
Cancellation on the day — if necessary — will be found there also.
All are welcome.
