2006 Project Report
This year was supported by Paradise, East Marden and Athelstone Primary Schools and
additional on ground support was given by Pembroke Schoolm the Friends of Black Hill and
Morialta Inc., Dept of Environment, Northern Lofty Region, Lions Club of Athelstone, the
Natural History Society and others. Again all important funding came from the Friends of
Black Hill and Morialta Inc. Mitre 10, Richard Fassbender and some donations.
This year was so different to 2005, when we had to dig in rock hard ground to plant tube stock and then
have to water until the rains eventurally came. In May we planted 576 seedlings and the going
was slow as we fitted plant guards to protect plantings from rabbits and kangaroos.
Planting was well supported wtih 43 people attending on the main planting day.
Graham - PROJECT COORDINATOR
2005 Project Report
Ambers Gully Working Bee
May 2005
Our
project area in Ambers Gully is comprised of remnant bushland on mainly steep terrain, and
in 1992 when we commenced this project, few endemic species were represented, and some, by
just one or two plants. Since then we have added a considerable number of species and
expanded on those poorly represented.
Digging holes for planting
May 2005 Planting this year was particularly trying and drawn
out as the season broke late, and digging in dry, hard soil was a chore as many of you will
recall. For the first time in 13 years, we had to water plants in and follow up later to water
again. In addition problems arose in zone 5, where rabbits and kangaroos, searching for
greenery, found our plantings and again another first, we had to remove our plant stakes
and replace them with guards. This was also an expense we had not counted on.
This year we raised and planted another 720 seedlings, making a total of 9994 plants that have
been sited since 1993. My grateful thanks to those dedicated staff, students, comunity members
and Friends who gave their support for our somewhat trying planting activities this year.
Mitre 10 staff planting
July 2005 Last year we were chosen as one of the 20 projects Australia wide by Landcare Australia and
Mitre 10 Caring for our Waterways program and I must express my appreciation to Mitre 10 Australia
and the management and staff of Glynde Mitre 10 for their sterling support. Not only do we have a
display at the Glynde store, management has released staff on a monthly basis to work on woody
weeds and planting in Ambers Gully. Staff members have enjoyed their sessions, and mixed
with good humor, we have achieved a great deal together. They are a great bunch and it has
been a joy for me to work with this team.
Mitre 10 staff controlling Erica
July 2005
On the weed front there are some small diminishing patches of Blackberry and Salvation Jane and these
will be addressed this year. However Tangier pea, remains a problem, along with Erica in
our Banksia site and Fennel on steeper slopes. Also, after a recent inspection with our
District Ranger, we found a number of dead plants in the Banksia site, and he has advised
that he will have the site tested for Phytophthera. This was a shock to find dead, established
Banksia marginata and Hakea carinata. These deaths happened in a very short time.
Controlling Tangier Pea
November 2005
Fifteen varied educational units were presented this year and students were actively engaged
with planting, weeding, feral animal surveys, litter removal and other observations and
again this year, we had a number of Landcare students join our Young Friends Group
My thanks to the school principals, their deputies and staff who have been supportive
on behalf of the program and their Landcare students. A special thank you to the parents
who transport and assist with the program. Without their support we could not function and
their commitment is greatly appreciated by us all.
Possible phytophthera outbreak
November 2005 Likewise, I greatly value the support given by National Parks and Wildlife SA Northern Region,
Our District Ranger, and Liaison Ranger, Friends of Parks and Pembroke School for their ongoing
and long term supportive contribution.
We managed funding wise this year, but grants came in bits and pieces which involved considerable
time compiling applications. Fortunately, at the Friends of Parks Forum, the project
received two awards, "Best Biodiversity Project" from Nature Foundation SA Inc.
and the "SA Landcare Committee Award for the Best Landcare Project". These awards also provided
a much needed $1,000 which carried us through to complete the year.
Planting
May 2005
As it has been in the past, and in spite of the numerous awards we recieve, I have never
had a positive feeling about having enough funds for the year to come but I am optomistic
and usually something turns up, but it is time consuming applying for grant funds.
We have applied for Commonwealth grants but have not been successful as grant conditions are
such that they do not fund coordinating positions and the application process is frustrating
and complicated. It needs to be overhauled and simplified. This year we were funded by
the participating schools, local benefactors, reserve funds from Friends of Black Hill
and Morialta, Nature Foundation, Lancare Australia, Friends of Parks, SA Landcare and Mitre 10.
My sincere thanks to you all.
Another busy but enjoyable year with sum ups and downs due to weather but overall we
achieved a great deal and as always it was a privilege for me to be able to work and share
in a collaborative manner, with staff and other volunteers and of course, our young people,
who often amaze me at times with their forthrightness and honesty about the environment
and their concerns.
Graham - PROJECT COORDINATOR
2003 Project Report
Taking a break May 2003
Our project area in Ambers Gully is a large area of remnant bushland and again this year our
collaborative efforts have raised and planted another 784 seedlings in the project area now making
a total of 8618 plants that have been sited since 1993.
It was, as always a joy to share with everyone who came and assisted with our special planting
days although the numbers of students, parents and staff were down on the previous year.
A planting working bee May 2003
My thanks to the dedicated staff, students, community members and Friends who gave their support.
Last year I raised an aspect of concern regarding the invasion of stage 4 by Erica sp. from the
head of Ambers Gully. We added a stage 5 to the project area, which encompassed the source of the
infestation, which gave us control over the whole catchment. Some grant funds were obtained by
the Friends of Black Hill and Morialta to continue work here and this year we have secured the valuable
Banksia marginata forest, the second most threatened vegetation type in the state.
In other zones we still have weed problems and this year has been particularly frustrating
regarding weed control. If it was not rain it was wind that prevented weed spray activities and in
some sections we have seen a regression of our weed control efforts. While Phalaris grass, Rice
Millet grass, Blackberry, Prunus sp and Artichoke is under control, Salvation Jane and Tangier
pea is a problem.
A young helper with dad May 2003
It is becoming increasingly difficult for schools to release staff for the program and while we have
attempted to do some units at school I have found that working with full classes is not successful
as other students do not respond due to the fact that they have not been involved with
off site units that are essential to be able to fully interact with the program. For example, a child
who has not seen the Ambers Gully Project site or experienced key units does not understand
the thrust of the 'mind on/hands on' concepts.
One aspect of the program that has encouraged me is the number of children, who throughout
the past eleven years that we have been active, have been considered slow learners at school
but have excelled in demonstrating practical and other skills in the Landcare Program. It is an
absolute joy for me when a child has excelled in this way with their peers.
This year we have an unprecedented number of Landcare students who have joined our Young Friends
Group and that has been another plus that proves that our program is not only providing an
extension of interest for these students but also, their parents too, are supporting their
children and as families want to share and learn more about our environment and precious
natural heritage.
Ongoing control of the Erica July 2003
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the school principals who have been supportive
on behalf of the program and their Landcare Students.
My thanks and appreciation also to the staff, and parents for their continuing support and I
have especially valued the support and friendship of staff members. Without the parents who
transport and assist with the program we could not function and their commitment is greatly
appreciated by us all.
Our project could not function if it were not for the support of National Parks and Wildlife
SA Lofty/Barossa Region and the Friends of Black Hill and Morialta Inc.
My sincere thanks to our District Ranger, Senior Ranger and the Executive of the Friends of
Black Hill and Morialta Inc.
Other organisations assisting us are Athelstone Lions, Pembroke School and the Natural
History Society of SA Inc.
Cutting and swabbing Olive December 2003
Last year the Torrens Catchment Board and the SA Urban Forest Biodiversity Program did not fund us.
We were naturally disappointed in receiving this news as we have demonstrated our ability
to manage the program in a highly professional manner. This project has won numerous awards
and high praise over the years for not only ourselves but also those who funded us. This year we were
awarded the Nature Foundation 'Highly Commended Biodiversity Project' award. We commenced our
project in 1992 and not only have we a perfect track record we have also demonstrated that we
have a long term commitment to the project, the environment, and the education of our young people.
Obtaining grant-funding remains a problem and this year the Project funded itself, as grant
applications were not successful. We have some funds, but not enough to run a full program
and if the project fails if will not only be a bitter blow for me and those students who could
have been better equipped to cope with future environmental issues, the repercussions could be
far reaching, affecting not only the project site in Ambers Gully but also the Young Friends
Group that draws its young people and their parents from the schools participation in this
project.
Again we had a busy but enjoyable year and it was a privilege to be able to work and share
in a collaborative manner, with young people, staff and other volunteers.
Let us hope that our funding problem can be solved and that we can continue this worthwhile
program. To end on a high note, I am pleased to report that East Marden Primary School will
join the program in 2004, making four schools in all current members remain.
Graham
- PROJECT COORDINATOR
Please consider if you can assist funding this important project.
Donations may be sent to the Friends of Black Hill and Morialta Conservation Parks Inc. Please
inlcude a note if you wish the funds to be specifically directed to this project site.
2002 Project Report
Our project is actively supported by the Campbelltown, Athelstone and Paradise Primary
Schools from which students and staff make fortnightly visits to undertake educational and
"hands on" activities in the Black Hill and Morialta Conservation Parks.
Setting out the plants May 2002
Our project area in Ambers Gully is a large area of remnant bushland and this year was increased to
take in the entire catchment so that we now have greater control over spreading
weeds, planting sites and monitoring.
Again, everyone has worked hard and our collective efforts have raised and planted another 700
seedlings in the project area now making a total of 7834 plants which have been sited since
1993.
It was as always, a joy to share with everyone who came and assisted with out special planting
days. My thanks to the dedicated staff, students, community and friends who gave their support.
In spite of a dry summer, plant survival rate has been excellent, with over 80% doing well and it
is pleasing to see natural regeneration occurring in some sections due to out earlier efforts.
Working on controlling the weed Erica February 2002
One aspect of great concern I raised last year was the invasion of stage 4 by Eric sp. from the
head of Ambers Gully. This is the new area we have added to the project site (Stage 5) and I am
pleased to say that some grant funds were obtained to allow us to commence work here this year.
In other zones we still have weed problems but our planting and weed control program is working.
Some persistent weeds are Tangier Pea, Olive, Fennel and to a lesser extent, Salsify, Blackberry
Phalaris grass, Rice Millet grass, Prunus, Artichoke, Salvation Jane and Pines need to be
worked on.
While little rain has fallen throughout the year there has been enough to promote vigorous
weed growth, but due to the frequency and vagaries of the weather, less opportunities to
carry out appropriate weed control, especially spraying, due to wet and/or windy conditions.
Dealing with a non-native pine April 2002
We still have an enormous task ahead to complete the work commenced her, but we are committed
to the long term and determined to work to that end.
It has become increasingly difficult for schools to release staff for the program and I would
like to take this opportunity to thank the principals who have been so supportive and made the
effort on behalf of their Landcare Students.
My thanks and appreciation also to staff, and parents of the Campbelltown, Paradise and Athelstone
Primary Schools for their continuing support and I have especially valued the support and
friendship of staff members, Bob, Jan and Ed. I much value your wit, wisdom and friendship.
Sadly, we will be losing Bob and Jan next year, it is time for them to move on, so it is a case
of Landcare's loss and their new school's gain. We wish you every success in your new
endeavours and hope that you will carry with you fond memories of Landcare. I have also appreciated
the support given by Adrian who relieved Ed in term 4.
Parents and students planting May 2002
Some other very important helpers are those parents who transport and assist with the program.
Without their support we could not function and their commitment is greatly appreciated by us
all.
Tricia, is our "Our Patch" representative and we thank her for the encouragement and
support given throughout the year.
Without the support and funding received from the Natural Heritage Trust, "Our Patch"
Torrens Catchment Water Management Board, Urban Forest Biodiversity Program, National Parks
& Wildlife SA Lofty/Barossa Region our project would cease. Again we do not know what the future
will bring as we have two staff leaving and have to apply for future program funding.
We have been advised that funds have ceased from the Urban Forest Biodiversity Program so we are
dependent upon "Our Patch" Torrens Catchment Water Management Board for next
year's funds and hope that we can again share in a continued partnership in 2003 and continue
our program in Ambers Gully.
Again, we had an enjoyable, busy program and it was a privilege to be able to work and share
in a collaborative manner with young people, staff and other volunteers who are part of our team.
Graham
- PROJECT COORDINATOR
1999 Project Report
During the past twelve months positive feedback from parents, staff and students and others assisting us in this project has been
encouraging. Everyone has worked hard and our collective efforts have placed over 1,000 seedlings in the project area. A total of 5,653
plants have now been sited in all four zones since 1993.
Our project area is approximately 6 square kilometres, it requires constant monitoring, and while we have an enormous task ahead to
complete the work commenced here and we are determined to work to that end. Blackberry has been brought under control on the lower
slopes and creek-line but it is still found in large patches on the ridges and upper slopes. Onion weed, Olive, Dog rose, Artichoke, Fennel
and Rice millet grass are the main species we need to keep working on.
Stage No 1.
Students and staff, plus volunteers from the Friends of Black Hill & Morialta and Pembroke School, have attended to weed control and
planting. Earlier plantings flowered profusely this year making a dramatic contrast to the weed infested site we were confronted with
when we started in 1992. Fennel and Rice Millet grass still persist in small patches and will require our ongoing attention.
Stage No 2.
Fennel and Tangier Pea are still persistent and some small Blackberry plants require attention. Valley slopes, where foxes have voided
seeds of various weed species, need to be continually checked for weed outbreaks and it is pleasing to see that National Parks & Wildlife
have commenced a Fox bailing program this year in the Black Hill & Morialta Conservation Parks.
Stage No 3.
This area is a Fuel Reduction Zone and no more planting is needed here. However, we will continue to monitor and control weeds.
Stage No 4.
Blackberry, Prunus sp. Dog Rose, Fennel, Olive, Boxthorn. Bridal creeper and Figs still require ongoing attention. Project members,
Pembroke students, and Friends members have assisted with cutting olives and other exotic species. Another 850 plants were placed in
this zone in May during our community planting days and it was a particularly humbling experience for me when 35 students , staff,
Friends of Black Hill & Morialta members and others came out over two wet miserable days to plant. What can you say to people with
that sort of dedication - they are special to me and I thank them all for their support.
I believe 1999 has been another successful year which has accomplished a great deal in our project area and achieved the desired
educational outcomes from students and others who have taken part.
I would like to thank the following for their support:
Richard, District Ranger and Ron, Senior Ranger of the Dept of Environment and Natural Resources (Lofty Region),
Torrens Catchment Water Management Board, Greg, Urban Forest Biodiversity program. Friends of Black Hill & Morialta, Young
Friends of Black Hill & Morialta, Athelstone Lions, Campbelltown State Emergency, Natural History Society and Pembroke School.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the principals, staff, and parents of the Campbelltown, Thorndon Park, Newton and
Athelstone Primary Schools for their continuing support and encouragement. In particular, I have valued the support & friendship of staff
members Juris, our Project Manager, from Campbelltown Primary School, lan, Evonne, Thorndon Park
Primary, Jasmin, Newton Primary, and Karen from Athelstone Primary. During Juris' absence during the 3rd term
Elizabeth and Peter assisted with Campbelltown Primary students and I would like to thank them too for their support and
contribution.
Funding is always a major problem and we never know from where funds will come for the next year's program. However, this year we
were fortunate again, and indeed grateful, to be funded by the "Our Patch" Torrens Catchment Water Management Board.
Change is sometimes not easy to embrace and two staff members from the Thorndon Park Primary School, who have been with our
project from its inception, are moving on.lan is taking early retirement and Evonne has accepted a challenge teaching
in the northern regions of the state. I wish them every success and happiness but will miss them both for they have been staunch
supporters and good friends. I hope Thorndon Park Primary continues to support and remain a part of our team.
In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed the year's very busy, challenging program and I am proud of the young people, staff and others who
are part of our team, promoting a healthy environment in the Black Hill Conservation Park. Our continuing efforts have been an
exemplary demonstration and proof of our long term commitment to our local environment and our National Parks.
Graham Churchett -
Project Coordinator
1997 Project Report
The year's programme seems to have gone by so quickly and we have achieved a great deal during the
past twelve months. With repsect to the units presented, and the overall programme, positive feedback
from parents, staff and students has been encouraging. This year we produced three "Landcare News"
and were invited by KESAB to plant the gardens of the Athelstone Shopping Centre. In three visits we planted
500 plants and were heartened by the support from folk at the centre and support given by Dijana, the KESAB
coordinator. It was also particularly pleasing that Dijana attended assemblies at the three schools present
to present certificates to the students.
Project site - Stage 1
Weed control has continued by spraying, and cut and swab by the cooordinator, assisted by volunteers
from Friends of Black Hill and Morialta and Pembroke School, while valuable grubbing and pulling activities
around plantings has been continued by the students. In May an additional 35 plants were placed in this site
and further tube stock is planned to be planted in 1997. I am particularly pleased with the growth and
development of our earlier plantings for now they are producing seed and this will enhance the recovery of this
section of the project area at a greater pace. Some Olive, Fennel, Radiata Pine and Rice Millet grass seed
germination still persists and will have to be continually monitored.
Stage 2
Another 15 plants were put in this area and previous plantings are growing well. More attention needs to be directed toward the
control of Fennel and other weeds, particularly those which smother vegetation and spread rapidly such as Tangier
Pea and Bridal Creeper. Blackberry has nearly been eliminated along the creek line but the valley slopes, where
foxes have voided seeds of various weed species, need to be checked for weed outbreaks.
Stage 3
We have completed planting in this zone but constant attention is needed to locate and remove various weed
species and in particular, Olive and Radiata Pine.
Stage 4
Weeds here pose a potentially significant problem in the form of Blackberry, Prunus, Dog Rose, Fennel,
Olive Boxthorn ad Figs.
Removal of these larger woody weeds is beyond the primary school students, however year 10 students from Pembroke
School have given a considerable amount of time to this site, cutting and swabbing. In addtion, Friends members,
Andrew and Philip have assisted coordinating Pembroke students and have spent additional time under the Project
Coordinator's supervision cutting olives and other exotic species. Outcomes are realistic in this area
and if we can follow up with more planting programmes throughout the coming years, and back-up with
Landcare students weeding around plantings and collecting seed, we will have achived something worthwhile.
Another 617 plants were paced in this zone in May.
From my point of view, as project coordinator, we have completed another successful year of Landcare, which has
seen a great deal of work put into out project area and is a desired education outcome from the students and
others who have taken part in our varied activities.
Throughout the year we have received support from a number of organisations and individuals and I would like to
thank Richard, District Ranger, and ranger Ron from the Dept of Environment and Natural Resources (Lofty Region),
Friends of Black Hill and Morialta, Young Friends of Black Hill and Morialta, National Parks Foundation of SA,
SA National Parks Association, Athelstone Lions Club, Pembroke School and members of the community. This support
is critical to the success of the overall project, especially now that we are running on a very tight budget
and we need to look to raising further funds so that this programme can continue to not only educate students
and the community from which they come but also bring together other groups and individuals in a worthwhile
commng cause for our local environment.
The management of weed species and propagation of tube stock has a critical bearing on future outcomes and I would
like to thank Lola for her valuable contribtion of plant stock.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the principals, staff and parents
from the Campbelltown, Thorndon Park and Newton Primary Schools for their continuing support and
encouragement, and in particular, I have valued the support and friendship of staff members such as Evonne
(Thorndon Park Primary), Jasmin (thanks for the sticky buns! Newton Primary), and in particular Juris (Campbelltown
Primary), for the extra support and help given to me and the programme throughout 1997.
Willing parents transporting students to and from study sites are essential to the project. My thanks
to you all for your continuing support.
In conclusion, funding still remains a major problem, but I am hopeful that with our enthusiastic team and
supporters, we can raise the funds needed that will allow us to continue to promote the Landcare ethic in
Campbelltown. I sincerely believe that our investment in the youth who take part in this programme will be
amply returned as they grow and take their place in the community, and we can be justly proud of our
collective team work and achievements. At the time of writing I have been advised that our project is one
of the state finalists for a Landcare Award. To receive reconition is pleasing - but to be funded would mean the continuing
of our work educating children along with the community and improvement of the environment and increased
biodiversity in the Black Hill Conservation Park.
Graham - project coordinator
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