Learning from the past – Milbrulong and District Landcare Group made it happen
Linking former Landcare members with the new generation of Landcarer’s to learn from the past and make connections and plans for the future.
Capacity building - LEP23_036_LLC3_7
The issue
Milbrulong and District Landcare Group (MDLG) was active between 1997-2010, from interest generated during Property Planning Workshops under the Farming for the Future Program. The group was responsible for approximately a 100,000-ha geographical area which straddles the Murray and Murrumbidgee Catchment watershed. The group was part of the Eastern Riverina Landcare Network (ERLN), supported by the National Landcare Program Coordinators and the Henty Department of Land and Water Conservation (DWLC) Natural Resources Project Officers. Some of the priorities shared by members included soil acidity, preservation of remnant vegetation, noxious weeds, carp, erosion, water management, windbreaks and total catchment planning.
The solution
The group were involved in many activities over their time, including workshops, field days and presentations. Many gatherings focused on topics such as establishing seed orchards, assessing and managing wildlife corridors, as well as roadside and property remnant vegetation, and self-guided tours of ecological sites through the ERLN Eco Tour. During their time, the group also published a Natural Resource Management Plan, participated in ERLN meetings, as well as on-ground projects. These included the Salinity Project and Southwest Slopes Acid Soils Project, fencing and revegetating land to protect remnant vegetation and restore gullies (Bullenbung Creek - Murrumbidgee Catchment) under the Rivercare Program.
The impact
The Remedial work carried out by MDLG at the Bullenbung Creek Tootool Wetland site was successful in reducing erosion and raising the water level to reinstate the ephemeral wetland. This wetland is now part of a temporary and seasonal water body that fills during the wet season, and dries during the summer months. This thriving ecosystem provides habitat for diverse birdlife, reptiles, and native flora such as Chocolate lilies, Nardoo and Eutaxia. The area is a significant, rehabilitated biodiversity hotspot for the region, and is a great example of local Landcare efforts, focusing on restoring wetland health and providing educational opportunities for community and landholders.
Key facts
- Landcare groups need to document their history
- Sites that are documented and mapped become educational sites for future generations
- Not starting from scratch every time a Landcare group begins gives a leg up to the groups that follow.
- Storytelling is part of Landcare Heritage and boosts people's interest in their local environment.