Interested in Aotearoa’s native plants and forest ecosystems and want to be able to identify common native plants? Or spend time in the bush for recreation or as a volunteer with a local trust and wish you knew your plants better? Or contemplating further studies in the environmental or conservation field and would like to make a head start? Or want to fulfil your curiosity about native plants and strengthen your connection to the natural world? Then this FREE introductory hands-on workshop will be perfect for you. Join us for a guided walk in a nearby remnant native forest to learn the identifying features of native forest plants commonly found in the Bay of Plenty.

Over 3.5 hrs you will learn to: (1) recognise and identify common native plants, and comprehend the uniqueness and origins of our native vegetation

Suitable for: anyone with an interest in the identification of common native plant species. No prior knowledge required. Ages: 16+

WHEN: Saturday, 6 December 2025, 9 am to 12:30 pm

WHERE: Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, Windermere Campus, Tauranga, Room T12 (across from the Aquatic Centre)

COST: FREE

Limited to 20 spaces; Ages: 16+

What to bring: notebook, pen, rain jacket, comfortable footwear for a walk in the bush, sun hat, sunscreen, drink bottle, snack, First Aid medication, Epipen (if you’re allergic to wasp stings), and binoculars (optional).

Please meet in T12 at 8:55 am. We will spend some time indoors before heading off to a nearby forest location to spend the rest of the morning identifying common forest plants. Transport to/from site provided.