Yealands Marlborough Sustainability Initiative (YMSI) is awarding a further eight local environmental groups with grant funding as part of our ongoing community support and focus on protecting Marlborough’s biodiversity.
The $50,000 in grants, support recipients inspiring efforts to improve fresh-water quality, preserve sensitive natural areas and protect biodiversity in the Marlborough district.
Thank you to everyone that applied for YMSI funding this year, the projects are incredibly valuable to supporting our natural environment. Congratulations to the following grant recipients:
Marlborough Kaikoura Trail Trust
The Marlborough Kaikoura Trail Trust have identified areas alongside the trail for environmental planting and rehabilitation, however the trail funding to date does not cover native planting or restoration. YMSI funds will be used for planting and installation of interpretation to inform trail users of biodiversity values.
Hinepango Wetland Restoration Group
YMSI funds will assist the community group with the restoration of the Hinepango Wetland in Rārangi through clearing and control of invasive species and planting. The freshwater wetland has high conservation values and restoration will help improve biodiversity.
The Marlborough Sounds Restoration Trust
Wilding pines outcompete native bush and reduce habitat for native wildlife. The Marlborough Sounds Restoration Trust have supported many Marlborough Sounds communities with wilding pine control work. YMSI funds will go towards important follow up control work in the Outer Queen Charlotte Sound over the coming summer.
Picton Dawn Chorus
Picton Dawn Chorus are working to restore native birdlife in Picton and surrounds by removing predators. Since 2016, volunteers have been checking and maintaining over 500 predator traps weekly. The purchase of additional traps and field equipment will support the group to grow the trapping to almost five times the current area, in line with consultant recommendations.
Rainbow Sports Club Inc
Rainbow Sports Club Inc. own and operate the Rainbow ski area and are Following on from the successful removal of lead nails from buildings on the ski field in 2020, to protect the local Kea, Rainbow Sports Club Inc. have found that Kea also eat tyres. This year, YMSI funds will help with the removal of tyres to help protect the Kea.
Blenheim Natural Learners Cooperative / Te Whānau Whakamana Tamariki o Wairau
The Ōhinemahuta Domain has been recognised as a taonga, a precious remnant of ancient podocarp forest. In recent years this area has succumbed to erosion. A five year planting project supported by DOC will see 5000 eco-sourced native plants planted at the Ōhinemahuta Domain to help restore and protect the ancient forest.
Moenui Community Association Inc.
Moenui Bay started predator trapping in 2010 to help improve birdlife in the area. Many of the traps were funded by residents or the association. Traps are checked and maintained by a volunteer. YMSI will fund the purchase of additional traps to improve the existing trapping programme and replace those lost in the July 2021 flood.
Tui Nature Reserve Wildlife Trust
Tui Nature Reserve Wildlife Trust bring awareness of native habitat and wildlife restoration and have recently moved The Koru Native Wildlife Centre to Grovetown near Blenheim. YMSI has previously supported Kakariki breeding and release, this year YMSI will help fund open day tours which will be free for public to attend.
The next round of submissions will open 1st October 2022.
