The Brook Waimārama Sanctuary – a very special part of New Zealand

Calling all sculptors interested in working with natural materials in a conservation setting, creating something beautiful without impacting negatively on Te Tai Ao🌱🌿

Applications are now open for Sculpt Nature 2024: Sculpt Nature is an annual sculpture symposium and competition that brings nature to life and highlights conservation through art. The symposium will be hosted at the Sanctuary.

We’re thrilled to partner with @nelson_arts_festival again on this beautiful kaupapa.

Thank you to everyone who has already applied. Applications close on 30 June so there is still plenty of time to get yours in today.

More info & how to apply via the link in our bio.

#sculptnature2024 #brooksanctuary #sculpture #sculpturesymposium #nelsonartsfestival #arts #nelsontasman #nelsontasmannz #whakatū

Did you know these two are one of the many ways we stay predator-free?

Every year, a mustelid and cat detection dog comes to the sanctuary to sniff out different possums, stoats, and other weasels.

Earlier this week, we were lucky enough to have Brad and Wero join us at the Sanctuary. Wero, the dog, was an extra-good conservationist, walking around the whole Sanctuary after four days with his trusted handler, @windustbrad, checking for various threats to our native birds, plants, and other wildlife.

They didn’t find anything after monitoring all the lines. This is great news, and it’s especially helpful after a storm caused a tree to fall, breaching the fence for 12 hours.

He did find a small, old piece of cat scat just inside the Sanctuary entrance, but with no other cat detections, we believe the most likely explanation is that it came in on a shoe or vehicle tire.

Brad also noticed a lot of fresh droppings from a hare around the inside of the Sanctuary entrance, as pictured above. This is the last remaining mammal in the Sanctuary (except for mice).

If you would like to support the Sanctuary’s work to ensure wildlife continues to thrive, please consider donating. Ngā mihi maioha—we are very grateful for our community’s ongoing efforts.

#predatorfree #dogsofinstagram #dogs #savethebirds #conservation #environmentalprotection #endangeredspeciesday

👀 a bird’s view living safely inside the Sanctuary’s 14.4 km predator fence. Curious to learn more?

Don’t miss the chance to stop by the @predatorfreenz and @tasmanenvirotrust Te Tauihu (Top of the South) Regional Hui this Friday, 17 May, and Saturday, 18 May. The Sanctuary will have a booth showcasing how our pest-proof fence, monitoring stations, traps, biosecurity team, and dedicated volunteers have helped the Sanctuary achieve 100% introduced mammalian predator-free status!

This event is free and open to the public. Join for expert panel discussions, a tradeshow, and a community project expo and hear from various speakers, contributing to the richness of our community’s conservation efforts too.

Make sure to book online to secure your spot for specific workshops and talks today!

#brooksanctuary #predatorfreenz #conservation #nzbirdlife #nz #nelsontasmanlocal

Looking for a Sunday adventure? Our 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍 𝐃𝐀𝐘 is taking place tomorrow from 10am - 4pm! 𝑆𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑇𝑖𝑡𝑜𝑘𝑖 𝑁𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑦 💚🌿💚

Grab your friends and Whānau and join us for this family friendly free event to celebrate conservation in action! What better time to explore the Sanctuary and learn about how you can make a difference in your own backyard?

🗣️ Chat with local experts on community trapping
🌿 Join our Native plant identification guided walk
🦜 Listen to a talk about co-existing with rare species like Kākā
🐦 Learn about Bird and Invertebrate monitoring and surveying
🌱 Visit the Titoki Nursery stall to learn about planting natives at home
🌯 Taste delicious street food
🎨 Enjoy arts and crafts activities in our kidzone, including making your own native plant identification card game
➕ And much more! (Swipe right to see the full schedule)

𝑹𝑬𝑴𝑰𝑵𝑫𝑬𝑹: Please 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐡 as eftpos facilities are limited. We strongly encourage you to bus, walk or drive as parking options can become limited due to the volume of event attendees! Finally, bring your own cups and containers to reduce waste when ordering kai from any of our wonderful food vendors

See you there! ☀️☀️