Since 1983 a group of dedicated people have worked to save Travis swamp from encroaching urban development and to set it aside as a nature park. In 1992 they banded together under the leadership of the late Mrs Anne Flanagan to establish the Travis Wetland Trust. Their goal was to preserve and develop the swamp as a Nature Heritage Park for the education and enjoyment of all. The Christchurch City Council responded positively to the challenge by purchasing the remaining wetland in 1997. As well as organising workdays and community planting days the Trust sources funding for boardwalks, facilities and specific projects. They also write submissions on policies, plans and strategies (such as the pest management strategy) pertaining to wetlands