Environment looks at living and working with our environment

Conservationists and Environmentalists in Town

The 2004 ECO conference is being held in Christchurch on 18 June and in Governor’s Bay on 19-20 June. It is expected to draw conservationists and environmentalists from throughout the country for the three days. ECO is an umbrella group of environment and conservation organisations in New Zealand. Go to the ECO website.

Sites Added

Brooklands Lagoon Fact Sheet
Fact sheet produced by the Christchurch City Council about the natural history of the Brooklands Lagoon.
Field Trips - Department of Conservation
Information about field trips and information packs offered by the Department of Conservation to support environmental education. Secondary and upper primary level.
Restricted Plants in Canterbury
List of plant pests from Environment Canterbury. Plants banned from sale, propagation and distribution nationwide and in Canterbury.
Monarch Butterflies in Christchurch
Information from Christchurch City Council about monarch butterflies and their wintering over in the city. Map of best locations to see wintering over trees.

The Styx - Purakanui Project

The Styx River is one of several springfed river systems that originate and flow through the district of Christchurch, New Zealand. This catchment, located on the northern urban edge, is approximately 50 square kilometres. The Styx Project draws together a range of organisations as partners to achieve a vision for the Styx River catchment as a Living Laboratory for research and learning, and a special place for the people of Canterbury.

The project seeks to ensure the Styx is a viable springfed river ecosystem and that the special character and identity of the area is maintained and enhanced. There are also significant educational and research initiatives through the development of an Urban National Reserve, "Source to Sea Experience". Botanist, teacher and conservationist, Dr Cockayne was a dominant scientist in New Zealand from 1900 to 1934. The establishment of Dilcoosha Garden seeks to recognise his work and his close association with this area.

The Styx Mill Conservation Reserve provides both a recreation area and an opportunity for people to experience, appreciate and understand the natural values of the area. It has significant conserveration values for the wider Christchurch area.

Find Out More About the Styx area through localeye

Use localeye's Canterbury Search to find out more about the Styx area. Enter the keyword "Styx" and you'll find a list of links to organisations such as the Styx History Group, Styx River Community Monitoring and maps of the area.