Birds Of A Feather Flock Together In Wetlands
Illawarra Mercury
Tuesday October 21, 2008
SPOTTED-TAILED quolls and hooded plovers were joined by species of the human variety when the region's latest Revive Our Wetlands restoration project was showcased at Kiama Downs on Saturday.
Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) regional manager Michael Andrews was overwhelmed by the response to a walk and talk at the 44ha "Revive" site that adjoins Minnamurra River, with 65 people attending."There are so many people clearly interested in their local environment," he said.It represents the latest Revive project, a national initiative that partners CVA with BHP Billiton, Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority and area landholders.Mr Andrews said the site, owned by the Kiama Baptist Church, was recognised as an important wetland and contained an array of endangered ecological communities."It is also home to a variety of endangered animal species including the spotted-tailed quoll, hooded plover and giant dragonfly," he said."One of the great things about the day is that it brought together people with a huge range of interests and skills and some of them have already started working on this land."Three hundred trees have so far been planted on the site by CVA volunteers and members of the Gainsborough Chase Minnamurra River Wetlands Landcare Group.The wetland rehabilitation work will continue until 2010.The Illawarra branch of CVA has four major Revive sites located between Wollongong and Gerroa.The group also runs free guided nature walks on the first Saturday of the month. People interested in assisting the wetlands program can learn more by ringing 4228 9246.
© 2008 Illawarra Mercury