Calder Green Reserve (formerly known as Devil's Elbow) is a small triangular -shaped saltmarsh on the lower Heathcote/Opawaho river which was gifted to Forest and Bird by Mrs H.G. Green in the 1970s. Bernie Calder, a former Chair of the North Canterbury branch, is also honoured in the name because of the role he played in its aquisition.
Today our aim is to maintain an 'open sanctuary' for the protection and enhancement of the indigenous flora and fauna of the area. We monitor, post quake, and protect the saltmarsh itself. We have a restoration planting zone alongside the river which is intended to improve the habitat for wildlife, in particular birds and lizards. We do bird surveys four times per year.
Volunteers are needed for all these activities as well as to help us with watering, weeding and general maintenance of the restoration zone.
Forest and Bird is also now part of a larger effort by the wider community to work to clean up and restore the conservation and aesthetic values of the whole Heathcote/Opawaho river. One of the activities we do in association with many other community groups is the annual autumn rubbish cleanup.
For more information or to be added onto the mailing list, please contact Mick Ingram, 384 8080 or 021 816633
For information on upcoming working bees, public talks and field trips, check out our events page.
Access to the reserve is along the track starting at the carpark near the entrance to the Ferrymead Golf Club.