Spring 2002 Journal
Listen
The living, flowing land
Is all there is, forever
And we are it,
It sings through us.
--Gary Snyder
March 19th
Today is the day when our adventure within the adventure of EcoQuest within the adventure of life will begin.
Our first stop on this trip is to the Warrenheip pest-free "mainland island" owned by David Wallace. This area is a directed research project site for nine students this semester. Warrenheip is the ecological equivalent of a time machine. Here the clock is turned back and animals and plants that are not able to survive on mainland New Zealand due to predation pressures by introduced mammals are given a second chance. The main reason for success of the reserve as a safe habitat is the development of the Xcluder pest proof fence. An EcoQuest founding member, Roger McGibbon, along with landowners, farmers, fencers and scientists designed this fence. Rigorous testing and fine tuning of the design resulted in a fence that keeps all mammals out of the reserve. It would even take Charles Bronson a sequel or two before he could better this fence.
After seeing the fence and having some lunch we were lucky enough to be able enter the reserve. Once in the reserve we were given a lesson on how to radio track animals carrying transmitters with what looked like a TV antenna and a transistor radio. We followed the progressively louder beeps through the track to the home of a juvenile Kiwi named Uno. Knowing that Kiwi are nocturnal we let the little guy sleep and loaded up the van for the second leg of today's trip which brought us to Pureora Forest Park.
After we were settled in we went to the forest river track to see the remnant podocarp forest and climb the 12 meter-canopy tower. As we wandered through the understorey, we looked at the structure of the forest. There are a few giant upper canopy trees as well as lower canopy trees while ferns use the filtered light near the forest floor. From the top we are able to see the forest with new eyes. The sheer size of the forest becomes apparent. After staring at this awesome sight we eventually have to come down to earth and view the world the old fashioned way. The day grows late and soon we are on our way to have dinner and get some rest for tomorrow.
It has only been one day on this voyage and I can't wait to see what is to come next and apparently will find out at five-thirty tomorrow morning...
Chris BStaff Entry: March 21st