Volunteers have two opportunities this month to help rid the Wakatipu of wilding pines.
Fran O'Connor, ''Heart of the District'' award-winner and conservation champion, and volunteers will go up Queenstown Hill on April 7, leaving the Nomad Safaris depot, Industrial Pl, at 1.30pm to return by 5.30pm, although participants can get down earlier by arrangement.
Transport, some tools and refreshments are provided. Participants can email franiam@xtra.co.nz if interested.
Queenstown Lakes District Council project manager Grant McLennan and team are targeting Ben Lomond on April 12, with April 13 the reserve day in case of poor weather.
Volunteers will meet at the Skyline Gondola base at 9am and ride the gondola to the upper terminal, then take a helicopter flight to the top of Fernhill loop track on the slopes of Ben Lomond.
Chopping and sawing wilding seedlings from the upper alpine basin is the agenda. The group will walk back in mid-afternoon.
Mr McLennan recommended volunteers bring warm clothes, lunch and water. Tools and gloves will be provided. Registration is essential.
If interested, email grant.mclennan@qldc.govt.nz
