STEPS has now joined hundreds of other groups around NZ in using an eDNA test to sample the water reveals all the species present in our awa – from microbes to mammals.
Freddie tests Waitītiko water quality at Norgrove Park, Mt Albert
A filter is used to collect the DNA samples from less than 1 litre of water. More information about the method and the EPA’s nation wide water survey is available here and here. We thank Freddie for putting her lab experience to the task!
Sampling DNA below Pasadena Intermediate School
Sadly Waitītiko Meola Creek receives approximately 1 million cubic meters of stormwater and raw sewage overflows every year from Auckland’s combined sewers.
We expect to hear results over the next few months. It will be interesting to see how much or how little life there is in the upper creek at Roy Clements Treeway, compared with the lower creek around 5 km away. It will also be interesting to see how badly the frequent overflows affect life in this creek compared with other creeks in Central Auckland and elsewhere.
A sign has been put in the park at the end of Norgrove Avenue, Mt Albert describing the work that Watercare, Te Ngahere and STEPS are undertaking to control the pest plants and exotic weeds that are choking new growth of the lava rock forest there. Work is underway to capture animal pests (many opossums) and to remove the ivy as shown below.
Ivy removal under way 2021
STEPS is delighted with the early success in controlling rampant asparagus weed. Thanks Te Ngahere and Watercare project team.
Watch this space or STEPS’ facebook page for more updates.
