Organisation

Tomahawk-Smaills BeachCare Trust

Purpose

Tomahawk-Smaills BeachCare Trust's aim is to restore the habitat and biodiversity of the sand dune ecosystem in the Ocean Grove Reserve, and to provide long term protection to the Ocean Grove community against the threat of erosion. The Ocean Grove Reserve is a 28ha site of active sand dunes located approximately 6kms from the Dunedin city centre. The Trust contributes to restoration through hands-on participation in nursery activities (such as sourcing seed endemic to our area) and native planting in this area. The Trust sustains local relationships across a diverse group of people by offering a positive opportunity to contribute to a common environmental cause.

Description

Volunteers will be helping out with different tasks depending on the season - weeding, potting up or planting trees! Gloves and tools are provided. They operate from their native plant nursery located at Smaills Beach. Follow Tomahawk road to the Tautuku Fishing Club and take the sealed road to the right - they are near the bottom of the Karetai track - a scenic walk up the headland offering spectacular views over the ocean and coastal cliffs.

The 03 Ocean Grove Bus stops at the Tomahawk Playground  -  from there it is a 15 minute stroll to the nursery. There is a basic pit toilet and a tap with drinking water. Sturdy shoes and a water bottle are a must - plus clothes suited to whatever the weather brings on the day. Volunteers are welcome to join for as long or as little as they like during opening hours.

They are usually based at the nursery but other times, they may be doing tasks away from the nursery at one of their planting sites around Tomahawk. They will be posting details of where to find them, if they are away from the nursery, on their Facebook page by 4pm the day before.

Time commitment

Wednesdays 10 AM - 4 PM

Thursday 11 AM - 5 PM

How to apply

Email Nicole at beachcare@zoho.com and let her know the number of people in your group.

Please CC in volunteer@otago.ac.nz into your application email. Also, we have a great email template and helpful tips on making an effective application here: https://www.unicrewotago.org/aboutpriceless