At the recent SŌC AGM we heard the fascinating story of the Ōtautahi Christchurch Indigenous Ecosystem Mapping which in the 1990s gave us the native plant guides for greater Christchurch, put together by Di Lucas, Colin Meurk and other local scientists – and commissioned by SŌC.
This SŌC “biodiversity project”was launched in 1995 and the guides can be said to have changed the ‘nature’ of Christchurch. But it would not have happened without the great support from local leaders in community boards … and many others. Twenty-six years later we celebrated both its history and impact as well as helped Di Lucas launch its online presence.
Di talked about her work mapping the local ecosystems and guiding people who wanted to plant appropriately for their place and to nurture local plants and wildlife. We celebrated with her the success so far and the re-launch of the project in its 2021 form.
The ecosystem mapping dataset is available in an easy to explore form on the CCC website. This online map links to detailed planting guides useful for restoration projects, landscape design, and school and backyard projects.
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