More volunteers are needed to help the Palm Grove Ourimbah Creek Landcare Group following its recent success in receiving a $100,000 grant over three years from the NSW Environmental Trust.
It is a major boost to the ongoing rehabilitation of rainforest vegetation along 2km next to Ourimbah Creek near the M1 Motorway.
The project will engage local bush regenerators to assist the Landcare group to stabilise the creek bank and prevent erosion by weed control, promoting natural regeneration and the planting of endemic species mostly germinated by the group.
It will continue the work of Palm Grove Ourimbah Creek Landcare Group that began in 1998.
Chairperson of the group, Colette Livermore, said that since then many dedicated volunteers had worked to re-establish rainforest and sclerophyll vegetation on 20ha of degraded and cleared agricultural land that had only remnant rainforest vegetation bordering the creek.
The $100,000 grant, over three years, from the NSW Environmental Trust would help to restore and rehabilitate a 2km x 20m area along Ourimbah Creek, comprising the western border of the group’s Landcare site.
“This magic site is a joy to share and many deep friendships are formed working in the peaceful surrounds containing many special birds, plants and animals,” Livermore said.
“Our project will help stabilise the creek bank, remove weeds, increase biodiversity and provide a wildlife corridor with food and habitat for our many beautiful frogs, insects, mammals and reptiles.”
“Prospective volunteers are welcomed and their contribution is valued, even if it’s only for a few hours.”
The Landcare group is on site each Monday and Thursday from 7.30am to 12.30pm.
Access is along Ourimbah Creek Rd by turning at Ballinger’s service station and it is on the right immediately after going through the freeway overpass. The slip rail is open on Landcare days.
More information about the Palm Grove Ourimbah Creek Landcare site, its history and contact details is available online at sites.google.com/site/palmgroveourimbahcreeklandcare/
Sue Murray