Forest and Bird Member in Senior Achievers Awards

Forest and Bird, Issue 299, 1 February 2001, Page 40

Forest and Bird Member in Senior Achievers Awards

hree conservationists have received certificates of excellence from the Senior Achievers Charitable Trust. Forest and Bird identity, Reg Janes of Tauranga, received an award on the nomination of Tauranga Forest and Bird. Mrs

Shirley Sparks, also of Tauranga, and Dalraith (Ted) Wilson of Pakuranga in Auckland also received certificates for working in the conservation area. The citation for Reg Janes records he has worked for conservation for 70 years, joining

Forest and Bird as a primary schoolboy, and serving as a dominion councillor of the Society for 30 years. He has been both secretary and chairman of the Tauranga branch, and organiser of the local Conservation Week. Locally, he led the revegetation of l’Anson Reserve which involved growing and planting out about 18,000 trees. He is a key member of the Bay of Plenty

Tree Sociey which created McLaren Falls Park from farmland to become one of New Zealand’s leading arboretums, and donated thousands of native trees to local schools. His award also recognised work with the Scout Association and the Salvation Army Friendship Club. Shirley Sparks received her award as a prime mover in transforming an ugly, disused quarry into the Te Puna Quarry Park, an 11-hectare reserve and venue near Tauranga, the first level of which was completed this year. She has also worked in drama, music and the arts. Ted Wilson was recognised for his work as co-ordinator of Project Crimson, helping restore and protect pohutukawa and rata forest. He has also helped people in need.