Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

What a wonderful year we have had, lots of trips to look back on.  Starting with the Jane Gifford.

Maurice Puckett from ARC showed us his stunning collection of some predators trapped at Tawaharanui. 
Visiting Warren Agnew and learning about Trakker tunnels - what did you find in your own garden?  Mice were in evidence here!

Warren and Lois separating the ink pads from the animal tracks

Lois helping KCC children make insect tracks

John looking at Agnew's weta house

Collecting rubbish on the beach at Omaha.

Some of the Collectors with a pile of rubbish

Learning about Kea in the South Island - how did your seed feeder go?

KCC children with Kea Conservation Trust members Tamsin and Lorne

Looking at Fossils at Mathesons Bay with Ian Scott.

Ian explaining the ages of the different types of rocks

And finally a trip to Tiritiri Matangi where we saw the Kokako, and Takehe, Stitchbirds, Saddlebacks and blur penguins!

Look ahead to 2011 next year there will be opportunities to snorkel at Whangateau, check traps up Mt Tamahunga, and celebrate Sea week at Tawharanui.

If you are struggling with Christmas present ideas, I can recommend the KCC site - perhaps a gift membership for cousins or friends.
Thank you to all the wonderful people we met this year.  Wishing you all a happy Christmas with your family, and we look forward to seeing you in 2011.

Warm regards
Claire McDonald and Burnette O'Connor.

Leigh Marine Reserve: Explore the Underwater World

Celebrate Sea Week (7-14 March) by Exploring the Underwater World at Leigh Marine reserve - Sunday 14 March 2010

This event has been organised by Central Auckland Forest & Bird.

Meet at Goat Island for a 1.00pm start under the big Pohutukawa tree at the bottom left of the staircase which lead down to the beach. The plan is to explore the rocky pools and snorkel if the weather is good.

Your local guides will be Tony and Jenny Enderby, well-known marine advocates who have written often for F&B magazine about the marine reserve.

This is an opportunity to learn about marine reserves and celebrate Goat Island, NZ's first marine reserve - see how successful it has become.

Bring warm clothes, sturdy shoes, flippers and/or sand shoes, togs, towel, mask and snorkel and/or swimming goggles, a hat and sunscreen. And drinks and snacks.

There will be a small charge per person for snorkel hire and guiding.

Children must be accompanied by an adult please.

Book with Siobhan by email and let her know you are a member of KCC. (Note; if bookings are limited, preference will go to Forest and Bird members.)