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We know that a lot of NZ precious natives are in trouble. Help them out this Conservation Week by signing up for your local Neighbourhood Nature Nosey. Simply download the free iNaturalist app, join the project page, head outdoors, and snap a photo of what you find. Learn about what is around you and make a difference this Conservation Week! (14-22 Sep) https://inaturalist.nz/projects/neighbourhood-nature-nosey-2019-southland

Last week, we all wished Ruud could stay longer... Great to have access to the Fiordland Community Events Centre, Fiordland College Library and Te Anau Public Library to include as many as possible in such a short time. Also great to see so many of you sharing and enjoying this opportunity! Ruud was in Southland thanks to the Mazda Foundation and Project Crimson (TREEmendous), and kindly offered to visit us on the way. https://treemendous.org.nz/ Here what Ruud wrote to KRTK before and after his visit: "Your involvement with the Kids Restore the Kepler programme is valued enormously. This Project not only restores the Biodiversity around the Te Anau region, it increases quality of life for the community in a healthy environment, with thriving populations of native species. But as far as I’m concerned, we've also been building the largest practical outdoor classroom in New Zealand, where teachers and students can find plenty of inspiration and examples for quality education, right across the curricular learning areas. Because of this, I will always be supporting KRTK and the teachers and coordinators that back this up and make it happen." "It was a spectacular two days and my Trust in the future of Humanity is always restored when I come to this incredible town with this remarkable assembly of generous people." Thank you Ruud! Kids Restotre the Kepler (Photos: Jen Haslam and KRTK)

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A really interesting and inspiring talk. Great to see so many kids... and people from all walks of life. Thank you Ruud! More photos of his trip to Te Anau still to come 😉 Thank you to Te Anau Library, the Friends of the Library, all learning centres and to such a lively community participation that made Tuesday and Wednesday so enjoyable, and thought-provoking... in a good way!

Ruud Kleinpaste, aka The Bugman, is coming to Te Anau. Join us for an entertaining and informative evening about the secret life of critters and much more! Wednesday, 14 August, 7:30 - 8:30pm, Te Anau Public Library (open to the public). Ruud is also running a teachers workshop on Tue 13th and (a very similar workshop) on Wed 14th August, 3:30 - 5:00pm, Fiordland College Library. There are still places available on both days. If you are a teacher / educator, keen to participate, and would like more information, please contact: alessandra.m@fiordlandconservationtrust.org.nz

It's not always about trapping... sometimes it is just awesome to get out in the project area and appreciate what all our hard mahi is producing. The bird life is humming right now... Robins almost always about, families of fantails and bellbirds singing sweet songs... This week the Rec Skills kids from Fiordland College were taking on a rogaine challenge (orienteering) on Hart's Hill. Although 'front country' (you often catch a glimpse of the Control Gates and the carpark) it is far from flat or easy travel, but it is spectacular!

So cool! Kiwi class are currently reading the exciting novel 'Home from the Homer' which is set in Fiordland.

Room 3 students are phenomenal conservationists... And their technical knowledge, their understanding of why we need predator control and their wanting to get involved have a real impact. The time we invest in sharing any smidgen of sound knowledge and expertise is paramount... and the energy and passion these young people convey... absolutely priceless!

Mobiles Art Installation - Kids Restore the Kepler and Southland District Libraries have partnered to bring the award-winning grassroots restoration project to the heart of the community. Each month, young people aged 5 plus are invited to attend creative sessions, involving Kids Restore the Kepler, nature craft and much, much more. The idea is to celebrate and share the kids’ knowledge of the Kepler area, and their amazing skills, and to embark on audacious creative travelling projects, linking the libraries as well as the communities in Southland and beyond. This driftwood Mobiles Art Installation is the first of the children’s creative travelling projects. The sessions run on last Friday of every month (school term time only), between 3:30pm and 4:30pm, at Te Anau Public Library. (Bird cutouts kindly made by Alan Scott, http://www.cuttingedgecrafts.co.nz/)

Wonderful mobiles are now hanging in the foyer,,,

Check-in with our local kiwi. A fascinating insight into a DOC rangers work as part of World ranger day!

KRTK / Te Anau Library Creative Session: Come to the Public Library and join us making beautiful mobiles out of driftwood and native birds cutouts! The mobiles will be left on display for a while, then embark on a Southland Libraries tour. When: this Friday, 26th July, 3:30 to 4:30 pm.

Last Thursday Fiordland Kindergarten tamariki were experiencing using beaks instead of hands...

Photos from Fiordland Kindergarten's post

Lots of discussion and model making for the Te Anau Bird Sanctuary shelter was happening at Mararoa School this week. So many cool ideas from giant nests to rock climbing walls and faux waterfalls.