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Esplanade Nature Trail Pamphlet

Esplanade Nature Trail pamphlet launch
Saturday 31st July, 2pm

by Vivienne Nicholls

The bush remnant in the Esplanade is probably our most accessible piece of nearly original forest in the city. Standing between the rose gardens and the river it provides the urban dweller an insight into the forests of over 140 years ago.
Forest and Bird’s involvement in this remnant began in the 1960’s when many members, including current members Michael Greenwood and Margaret Neilson, saw it as a significant piece of bush to have in a city where many other urban centres didn’t have such a treasure. As the gardens developed Forest and Bird recognised the bush needed attention too and, with Council approval, began work. The invasive vines, old man’s beard and cathedral bells, were attacked, and planting began on the edge of the stopbank. Today a healthy margin of young native bush edges the older survivors, and now only native vines thrive in the reserve. The recognition of the importance of natural areas by Council and council staff has seen the bush thrive with pest control allowing nesting native birds and regeneration.

The nature trail.
In 1971 a nature trail was developed by the Forest and Bird Society with an accompanying pamphlet to guide the walker through a forest experience. The pamphlet had explanations and illustrations for identifying the native plants on the trail. This was updated in 1990, and again this year with slight variations in the text, while illustrations remain by artist, Margaret Neilson. A changing guide reflects the ever-changing processes of the forest – some trees die; others grow up and out of sight. Our new pamphlet takes the walker along a path, pointing out the secrets, and otherwise, that this precious remnant contains. Now it has the worthy addition of illustrated tree labels to assist identification of our own native New Zealand plants.

Our thanks and appreciation goes to the Esplanade staff, who have been involved in this upgrade, particularly Rebecca Fitzpatrick.

Members of Forest and Bird and the public were welcome to join Heather Tanguay and Forest and Bird members in the launch of the new pamphlet and upgraded walk at 2pm Saturday July 31st at the Esplanade Education Centre.

This pamphlet launched the start of Conservation Week 2-8 August, 2004 with the theme of  Connecting Communities.

Margaret Neilson, the Nature Trail pamphlet illustrator and long serving member of Manawatu Branch of Forest and Bird.

Heather Tanguay, Palmerston North City Councillor, launching the new Nature Trail and Pamphlet at the Esplanade.

Photos by Adie Leng