WAIHI LEADER, TUESDAY MARCH 18 2008

VOLUNTEERS DIG INTO WORK ON WALKWAY

Further progress was made on the Mill Stream Walkway bordering Waihi's Morgan Park on Saturday as Rotarians and Waihi Walkways volunteers combined in a working bee.

As the morning light filtered through the plane and oak and acacia leaves, lighting up the walkway, the enthusiastic group distributed mulch chip around the new plants established last winter.

Open spaces were mown with the new Waihi Walkways ride-on mower  and a conglomeration of old fencing and iron was removed.

The team worked to eliminate convolvulus which was starting to smother some more mature native trees which had been established as part of the riparian (stream side) plantings in 2001.

"The maintenance on the walkway route is showing good results, although there are still lots of invasive weeds to deal with", says Coordinator Ruth Ordish, "the area is already transformed into a most delightful walking experience.

"Gradually the invasive species will be reduced from the wilderness areas and native plants will be established, both by the volunteers and by natural re-seeding."

Ruth says it was an energetic and productive morning, "and I'm sure the Waihi Rotarians enjoyed themselves".

Waihi District Walkways Inc. PO Box 241 Waihi New Zealand

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