Local environmental groups in Marlborough continue to inspire as six new projects are awarded grants by the Yealands Wines Marlborough Sustainability Initiative (YSI)
The Yealands Wines Marlborough Sustainability Initiative (YSI) was launched in February 2020 in partnership with the Marlborough District Council and the Blenheim Sun newspaper, making available annual funding for environmental not-for-profit groups in Marlborough.
After a successful second round of applications a further six environmental projects have just been awarded funding to continue the incredible work that they are doing to improve fresh water quality, preserve sensitive natural areas, and protect biodiversity in the Marlborough district.
To date, twelve Marlborough environmental groups have received funding through the YSI, with support not limited to monetary grants, but also offered in the form of Yealands employees volunteering their time to assist with the funded projects.
Of the latest recipients of the grant, Michael Wentworth, General Manager Sustainability & Strategic Projects at Yealands Wine Group, says, “We continue to be amazed and inspired by the incredible work that these environmental groups and individuals carry out in the Marlborough District.
Congratulations to the six new groups who will be receiving funding, we know your efforts to date are already making a significant positive impact on Marlborough’s environment.”
The new recipients of funding are:
1. Taimate Trust – Lake Elterwater: restoration of native vegetation to Marlborough’s 2nd largest freshwater wetland, identified as a Significant Natural Area (SNA).
2. Peter Mathyssen – Hinepango Drive Wetland, Rarangi: Restoration of Significant Wetland W55 through clearing invasive weeds and planting native vegetation.
3. East Coast Protection Group – Predator Control East Coast: Increased trapping of introduced predators along Marlborough’s east coast to protect endangered shoreline birds and native lizards.
4. Rainbow Sports Club Inc. – Saving Kea from Lead: Protecting kea near the Nelson Lakes from lead poisoning by replacing the nails, paint and flashing on the club’s roof with colour steel.
5. Kaiuma Park Services Ltd. – Kaiuma Bay Pest Control and Replanting: Development of a small community garden to propagate native plants to restore the foreshore and encourage the return of native birds.
6. The Throne – Mary’s Wetland: Transformation of circa. 13 hectares of potential wetland through extensive native plantings.
The YSI will be open again for applications mid-2021. For further information on the initiative, application details, and terms and conditions, please visit https://yealands.co.nz/marlborough-sustainability-initiative.
www.yealands.co.nz