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News | 28 April 2023
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Friday Five: Ways to care for the environment

From raising awareness to taking action, there are many ways you can get involved in protecting and restoring Wellington's natural environment. Here’s five things you can do to look after our green spaces.

A woman and her child sitting on a picnic mat outdoors.

1. Take part in the City Nature Challenge this weekend

City Nature Challenge is a worldwide annual citizen science initiative taking place from 28 April to 1 May 2023. Cities compete to see which one can log the most nature observations on iNaturalist over the four-day period.

To get involved, download the iNaturalist app, join our Te Upoko o te Ika Wellington Region project group and get out in nature to start making observations. All observations recorded within the Wellington region boundary during the challenge will automatically be added to Wellington’s tally. You can keep an eye on results through the project page, and the progress other Aotearoa cities are making. 

There are free events happening across the region all weekend, find out more on our website or check out our Facebook page.

2. Get involved in backyard trapping

Thousands of households are trapping in their backyard and Council reserves across the city. This is good for our Manu (bird) and not for rats. Check out how you can connect with your local backyard trapping or reserve group on the Predator Free Wellington website

3. Nurture nature in your own backyard 

Take a step back and think about how your garden can meet both your needs and those of local wildlife. You can provide a home for native birds, lizards, and insects with a native garden that, once established, can be low maintenance.

Consider adding native plants to your garden, bringing bugs to your yard, making a habitat for native birds, or creating a lizard-friendly garden. Find out how on our website.

Johnston Hill.

4. Explore nature in your neighbourhood 

Have you taken the time to discover what walkways and reserves are around your home? Spend some time in nature and see all it has to offer by heading out for a stroll to the places near you!  

Check out our top 20 walks or our outdoor trail map.

5. Volunteer outdoors

The work of environmental volunteer groups in Wellington makes a huge contribution to protecting and restoring our natural environment. These are local groups made up of community members who care about Wellington's natural environment and want to get hands-on with making a difference.

You can get involved on volunteer work, and find a community group on our website. Or, you could put your green thumbs to use for the greater good by volunteering outdoors with the Council. Join one of our environmentally-focused projects, or find out more about volunteering in our green spaces.

Watch out each Friday for a fun list of five great activities to do, places to explore, or things to discover in our awesome city.