Willoughby Bushcarers Lend a Helping Hand in Araluen
A Collaborative Tree-Planting with Upper Deua Catchment Landcare
Collaborations - LEP23-014-LLC13-04
The issue
On Friday 28th and Saturday 29th of March two mini buses from Sydney made the descent into the Araluen Valley. On board were a dozen volunteers from the various Bushcare groups run by Willoughby City Council from the lower north shore in Sydney.
These Bushcarers came all the way to Araluen to lend a helping hand to the local Upper Deua Catchment Landcare group (UDCLG) and plant out their new 5ha revegetation demonstration site at the confluence of Majors Creek and Araluen Creek.
As part of their North Araluen Creek Rehabilitation Project, UDCLG volunteers and local project manager Greg Stone had been busy preparing the site for weeks - setting up tree guards, laying out stakes and getting contractors to spot spray weeds and auger holes.
The solution
This made for easy digging, with the Willougby Bushcarers knocking over planting and guarding around 500 trees and shrubs on the Friday afternoon and Saturday morning in humid and drizzly weather conditions.
“The enthusiasm of staff and community volunteers from Willoughby Bushcare made it possible for us to achieve so much within a short period of time. Amidst the planting and field work alongside local UDCLG members were many interesting conversations, and the sharing of stories and experiences around the themes of revegetation, conservation and the like. New relationships were formed, and hopefully the partnership between Araluen and Willoughby will continue into future projects.” said Greg.
Funded through the Dargues Reef Mine remediation responsibilities and an EPA enforceable undertaking, the North Araluen Creek Rehabilitation Project by UDCLG aims to maintain ground water levels and stabilise the compromised landscape of the Araluen Creek and its tributaries in the wake of recent drought, bushfire and floods. The goal is to deliver more resilient waterways in the Valley, with a second revegetation site planned to be delivered in spring.
The impact
The Sydneysiders enjoyed their stay, spending the night at Braidwood and enjoying dinner at Smokey Horse and catering from Concepts Cafe out in the field.
“Can’t thank the Upper Deua Catchment Landcare Group enough for the most enjoyable two days. Great people and good work done with terrific senses of humour. Thankfully the weather was kind to us as well!” said Monique Van Vugt, Willoughby Bushcare Supervisor.
With the resounding support of UDCLG and Upper Shoalhaven Landcare Coordinator Erin Brinkley, local Landcarers hope to keep the collaboration going into the future and would be delighted to host the dedicated Willoughby Bushcarers again soon.
Key facts
- 2 Day Event
- 5ha Revegetation site
- 500 Trees planted and guarded
- 10 Local Araluen Volunteers
- 14 Willoughby Bushcarers from Sydney