The Upper Snowy Landcare Network will showcase its rehabilitation success near Berridale this Saturday. Photo: Lauren Van Dyke.
The Upper Snowy Landcare Network (USLN) is inviting people interested in bushland rehabilitation to an open day this weekend.
The location is the USLN-leased portion of the Gegedzerick Travelling Stock Reserve (TSR), at the end of Gegedzerick Road, Berridale, this Saturday (March 25).
Organiser Lauren Van Dyke is asking interested people to add the event to their list of activities for that day.
“While we know this is an auspicious election day, we hope to attract some interested folk in our direction to have a look at the significant project work that has been undertaken,” Ms Van Dyke said.
“In late 2019, USLN obtained a three-year Restoration and Rehabilitation grant from the Environmental Trust entitled ‘A demonstration site for land restoration on the Monaro’.
“The aim of this exciting project is to restore 41 hectares of grassy woodland by use of Ngarigo Indigenous cool burns, natural regeneration, direct drill seeding, hand seeding, erosion gully rehab, native plantings using different trial treatments (climate-tested and fungi-treated seedlings, planting additives like biochar, crusher dust, and compost), along with targeted weed control.
“This significant woodland sits on top of an iconic hill near Berridale overlooking the stunning Monaro hills and plains but has suffered from extreme eucalyptus dieback in recent years as well as a century of grazing pressure.
“It is a known historic training ground for Indigenous youth and has been a focal point for the Ngarigo elders, who have been delighted to participate in the efforts.
“This TSR will bring local people together to see an improvement in a remnant woodland classified as critically ecologically endangered.
“Over time, the efforts will lead to the eventual replacement of the mature trees lost to dieback, recovery of woodland-associated native grasses and forbs, increases in insect, bird, and soil life, and an expansion of habitat for endangered fauna and flora, thereby delivering long-term environmental improvement to an area of ecological and cultural – both Indigenous and European – significance.”
A special welcome ceremony will be held at 10 am, to which participants are invited.
“Take a look at the on-ground techniques from our info stations, and enjoy a bird walk with Nicki Taws from Greening Australia and a free Red Cross barbecue picnic,” Ms Van Dyke said.
The project has been supported by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust.
For more information or to register, contact Ms Van Dyke or Margaret Mackinnon at the Upper Snowy Landcare Network by emailing [email protected] or phoning 0411 402 978.
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