Generous support from the Sargood Bequest has allowed the Trust to construct a 1200m2 nursery by the shores of Lake Wanaka, off Mt Aspiring Road, on land kindly donated by the John & Jill Blennerhassett. The nursery is nestled in the shelter of an extensive QE2 Covenanted kanuka forest that can be accessed via the Waterfall Creek track.
The nursery now has in excess of 10,000 plants for habitat restoration projects around Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea and other local conservation areas.So far, a total of 32 species of native plants are in propagation, which are all raised on site and sourced from local genetic stock (eco-sourced).
Our policy is to get seeds from different locations each year to maintain genetic diversity in our plantings. We have seeds from Motatapu Gorge, Fernburn, Matukituki River, West Wanaka, Mou Waho Island, Stevenson's Island, Clutha River Outlet, Luggate, Hawea River, Glendhu Bluffs, Queensberry Hills and the Millennium Track/Ironside Hill.
The nursery is managed and run by Andrew Penniket and volunteers drop by twice a week to help with propagation and weeding. On site, there is also a tunnel house, shade house area, a lunch deck and an office which houses administrative paperwork, brochures and tools.