Neill and Barb Simpson's current project - the formation of the Wakatipu Reforestation Trust and setting up and operation of the Jean Malpas Community Plant Nursery - is perhaps the culmination of their conservation efforts over the past 60 years.
Efforts by the Queenstown Climbing Club to improve the biodiversity and recreational values of some areas its members climb in have earned it a place as a finalist in the 2014 Inland Otago Conservation Awards. Club committee member Philip Green talks about the group's work.
Volunteers from Our Seas Our Future (OSOF) picked up about 600 litres of rubbish in two hours for Conservation Week 2013.
Mountain biking has become increasing popular in recent years. Inland Otago Conservation Awards joint runner-up, Bike Wanaka's Mike Gould, talks about the projects the club has helped create providing positive public assets for the community and visitors.
Cycle trails are becoming increasingly common around the country and Central Otago is no exception. Inland Otago Conservation Awards winner Clutha Gold Trail Charitable Trust's chairman Rod Peirce talks about constructing the 73km-long trail from Roxburgh to Lawrence.
Inland Otago Conservation Awards finalist Queenstown Mountain Bike Club has developed four varied bike parks in the Queenstown area and is now developing a network of trails for cross-country riders, consequently growing Queenstown's reputation as one of the country's best biking destinations. Club president Tom Hey talks about the club's many projects and passion for mountain biking.
Endeavours to help the blue penguin, a rare worm and the biodiversity of some of our most treasured spots will be recognised this week through the Otago Conservation Awards.
A keen group of volunteers, the Wakatipu Wilding Conifer Control Group has cleared 2500ha in the past couple of years. Joe Dodgshun finds out about the Inland Conservation Award winner's quest to rid the region of wilding pines.
Inland Otago Conservation Award finalist and Malcam Charitable Trust Conservation Corps youth worker Michelle Wilson talks to Sarah Marquet about the 12-week programme for youth that has completed an "impressive array" of amenity improvements.
Coastal Otago Conservation Award finalist Forest and Bird South Otago branch chairman Roy Johnstone is a retired geothermal engineer who has set up and runs a predator trap network around penguin sites at Owaka Heads and Penguin Bay in South Otago. Helena de Reus investigates how the project works.
Otago's jewelled geckos have faced some tough challenges in recent years but Setpoint Solutions Ltd has helped fund research and literally lent a helping hand. Rebecca Fox talks to the Coastal Otago Conservation Award finalist about what a corporate sponsor gets out of conservation.
As part of Conservation Week Alexandra residents will have an opportunity to see three short environmental films.
Successfully uniting a community in an effort to preserve and develop its nearby wetlands has resulted in the Lake Waihola-Waipori Wetlands Society being nominated for the Coastal Otago Conservation Award. Rebecca Fox talks to president David Vollweiler and secretary Pauline Baker about their work to save the wetlands, which are home to 21 species that are totally reliant on the habitat for survival.
A founder of prominent conservation organisations such as the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust and Save the Otago Peninsula, Lala Frazer is this year's Coastal Otago Conservation Award winner. Rebecca Fox talks to her about three decades of work to conserve Otago's environment.
Showing pupils how chemistry relates to real life situations as well as building a picture of the health of Otago Harbour has won the Healthy Harbour Watchers the inaugural Otago Conservation Schools Award. Rebecca Fox talks to project facilitator Andrew Innes.
Sixteen stolen jewelled geckos were returned to their homes on Otago Peninsula earlier this year thanks to University of Otago masters student Carey Knox, a finalist in the Coastal Otago Conservation Awards. He talks to Rebecca Fox about his work identifying the threatened species.
Born and bred Otago residents may not realise how lucky they are to have so many wildlife treasures right on their doorstep, Department of Conservation Coastal Otago programme manager biodiversity assets David Agnew says.
A tireless worker behind the creation of the Gibbston Trail, Gibbston Community Association chairwoman Susan Stevens is an Inland Otago Conservation Award finalist. Naeem Alvi speaks to Mrs Stevens about her work restoring and conserving sites for the Gibbston community.
The Routeburn Nature Walk at the start of the Routeburn Track has been created to cater for people who want to enjoy a forest walk without too much hard work.
Conservation Week will be marked in many ways in Otago next week, from acknowledging the work people do in the community for the region's wildlife and landscape, to planting days and guided walks.
