INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEERS JOIN CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS IN REHABILITATING WOODBERRY WETLANDS AND WALKA WATER WORKS
Two areas of important habitat are being targeted for practical care by Conservation Volunteers Australia in Maitland in the coming week. From Monday the 9th through to Friday the 13th of November an eager team of international volunteers will continue the fantastic community efforts to re-green and restore sites of environmental significance in the Maitland area. Made possible through a partnership with the Coal and Allied Community Development Fund to provide practical support to local community groups in on ground conservation activities as part of the ‘River Paramedics’ program.
Conservation Volunteers is excited to be partnering with the Coal & Allied Community Development Fund to restore natural ecosystem processes to the Hunter River and its tributaries,” Tim Silverwood from CVA said.
This week we are undertaking projects in the Maitland area – at Woodberry Wetland and the historic Walka Water Works, home to over 300 species of birds, kangaroos, wallabies and a host of reptiles and insects. Volunteers will be continuing the rehabilitation of Woodberry wetlands where thousands of native trees have been planted on the vast floodplain to restore native habitat.”
The long history of land-use along the Hunter River has meant a decrease in natural ecosystem processes and declines in water quality and native vegetation cover. We hope to educate the wider community on the importance of restoring these processes to our river systems and engage locals in conservation activities. We, as individuals, really can make a difference,” Tim said.
The team of 7 volunteers are from the United Kingdom, Denmark, Korea and Germany and are being hosted by Conservation Volunteers Australia. Volunteers travel to Maitland each day for the conservation activities from a pickup point in Newcastle. Local volunteers can also join them for a day or even the week.
We are always looking for local community members who would like to spend some time undertaking care and maintenance on our natural and open space areas,” Tim said.
Our volunteers increase native plant cover and reduce the impacts of exotic plant species in the region.”
Volunteering with Conservation Volunteers Australia is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, meet new people and learn new skills – while making a real difference to the environment. You choose the level of your commitment, and can enjoy the experience with family and friends.
Conservation Volunteers Australia is Australia’s leading organisation for practical conservation, completing more than 2000 conservation projects across Australia every year.
To volunteer for this or any other Conservation Volunteers project please call Conservation Volunteers, Newcastle Regional Office on (02) 4926 2103, email newcastle@conservationvolunteers.com.au, or visit www.conservationvolunteers.com.au or Freecall 1800 032 501
