DOC wants Whanganui people to look after their own backyard this Conservation Week

There will be many opportunities for Whanganui people to get involved Conservation Week. Photo/ Lewis Gardner

This year's Conservation Week is all about looking after your own patch and there are four chances for Whanganui people to do just that.

The Department of Conservation-led week begins on Saturday with the South Beach clean-up from 2pm, with three other local events running through to the following Sunday.

Community ranger Scotty Moore said this year's theme, love your backyard, was about trying to get people to convert their love of nature into action.

"We know that 85 per cent of New Zealanders rate conservation as important to them personally, yet still only about one in 10 have actively helped on a conservation project," he said.

"We want to show people that conservation can be done in your own back yard, gardens, parks and marine areas. Even small actions make a big difference."

Moore said there would be plenty of activities in Whanganui to show people how easy it was to get involved.

Whanganui Resource Recovery will on deck at the opening South Beach clean up with a recycling trailer while DoC will provide bags for collecting rubbish, along with a sausage sizzle at the end of the day.

On Sunday there will be native tree planting at Gordon Park Scenic Reserve, followed by Pink Ragwort weeding at Whitiau Scientific Reserve on Wednesday and finishing with a Whanganui River Estuary (South Beach side) clean-up on Sunday, September 23.

DoC operations manager Jasmine Hessell said getting out and taking care of nature also has the added benefit of improving health and wellbeing.

Whanganui Conservation Week events

South Beach Clean-up: Saturday, September 15 (2-5pm).

Where to meet: South Beach car park, end of Airport Rd.

What to bring: Clothing for all weather, work or gardening gloves (optional), sunhat, sunscreen and sunglasses.

Gordon Park Scenic Reserve tours and native tree planting: Sunday, September 16 (10am-1pm).

Where to meet: Tours run from 10am-11:30 am at the Gordon Park Carpark on Kaimatira Rd.

Native Tree planting 11.30am-12pm on No 3 line (at the bridge gate across from Ag Challenge)

Sausage sizzle from noon at the Gordon Park Carpark on Kaimatira Rd.

What to bring: Clothing for all weather.

Pink Ragwort weeding at Whitiau Scientific Reserve: Wednesday, September 19 (9am-3pm).

Where to meet: 9am at the intersection of Pauri Rd and Pauri Domain beside the Whanganui prison.

What to bring: Clothing for all weather. Be prepared for unexpected weather changes. Sunhat, sunscreen, gumboots or sturdy footwear. Bring a packed lunch, morning and afternoon tea will be provided.

Whanganui River Estuary (South Beach side) Clean-up: Sunday September, 23 (10am-1pm).

Where to meet: End of Airport Rd (Look for the DoC flags and vehicle).

What to bring: Clothing for all weather, sturdy footwear (gumboots are best), work or gardening gloves (optional), sunhat, sunscreen and sunglasses.