BAYERBoost 2006

Bayer Awards Scholarships to Environmentalists of Tomorrow

Alice Taylor

Yr 1 Massey University, Palmerston North
Host: Bushy Park Homestead & Forest Trust
Alice Taylor is working towards at Bachelor of Science at Massey University, Palmerston North. Alice will spend 12 weeks assisting with ecological restoration and native bird recovery at Bushy Park mainland island sanctuary, Palmerston North. The main objective of Alice's time at Bushy Park will be to contribute to the conservation of rare endemic species, as well as to gain hands-on experience of a nationally significant restoration project and gain understanding of mainland island sanctuary management.

Elisabeth Fraser

Yr 2 University of Auckland
Host: Ark in the Park
The project involves looking at the possible detrimental effect of Brodifacoum in the Ark in the Park area, with particular emphasis on ruru (Morepork). 

Natasha Wilson

Yr 13 Whakatane High School
Host: Department of Conservation
The project will aim to determine the home range of ship rates within the northern area of the Te Urewera National Park. Rat control in the mainland island is primarily through kill traps and these are placed on a network of lines within the core areas. The study will provide information essential for the continued development and refinement of pest control techniques in the Te Urewera National Park.

Christina Dumont

Yr 13 Garin College, Nelson
Host: Department of Conservation
The main objective of this project is to identify lizard populations and record changes in them in the Friends of Rotoiti rat trapping area and identify cause of change. Christina's goal is to be able to show what is happening to the native skink populations in the area, and what effect, if any, the rat trapping has had.

Samantha Haultain

Yr 12 Edgecumbe College
Host: Environment Bay of Plenty, Whakatane
Samantha's research will assist Environment Bay of Plenty plan and implement reptile and invertebrate monitoring in the ecological monitoring programme throughout the Manwahe ecological corridor. Key objectives of the project are to establish knowledge of what invertebrate and reptile species are present in the corridor and how the species have been affected by the pest control being carried out in the area.

Jessie Lineham

Yr 12 James Hargest High School
Host: Environment Southland
Jessie has already completed a great deal of work since December 2005 on researching a local stream. The intent of this project is to plant another riparian strip in front of the young poplars present at the moment. It is expected that this will provide another barrier to run off from the grazing paddocks and further improve stream health. 

Applications for 2007 scholarships are being accepted. To check on application requirements, click here.