Revegetation Program

During 2002 there were plantings at four auspicious sites along the creek,indicated on the guide for replanting the creek produced by Trevor Pescott. Also, while the weather was still suitable, in Zone F we had a small symbolic planting, attended by Cr. Shane Dowling to inaugurate our activities.

Murray Box, Katrina Hedditch & Councillor Shane Dowling at a symbolic planting

Following this, once each month the members of F Group meet by the creek to do their bit for our environment.

• Tidying up the litter, washed down from suburban streets through the storm water system, blown into the riparean vegetation by the wind or deposited by some less caring members of the parkland-using fellowship is an ongoing task.

Clearing refuse from the stream banks

• the removal of less desirable plant species, more particularly those the seed from which spread downstream or which form groves unsuitable for the support of local wildlife, a task which will hopefully have more lasting effect.
• Among the more recent activities have been the removal and poisoning of elm and poplar suckers along the creek, removal of previously poisoned boxthorn, and a major clean-up in a neighbouring zone.

Clearing elm suckers and other pest species from part of the planned planting site

Council work is evident along the creek. Quince, boxthorn and cactus are being removed and the banks stabilised with hessian.

It has been most satisfying to see the numbers of young people taking an interest in their local environment. Students from several schools in the area have been involved in litter clean-ups and monitoring activities. Some also take an active part in the monthly group activities.

Although very little rain has fallen so far this year there has been sufficient to make tree planting feasible. On June 1st we had a planting using plant species selected from plants believed to have been present before white settlement. There were over 200 trees, shrubs and grasses planted, by a large, happy band of volunteers, including a group of students from Sacred Heart College, Newtown.

Happy Volunteers

Hard at work

Planting

Laying Weed Mat

Erecting the plant protection system

and being proud of their efforts.