An area in North Lismore will be planted out with 1000 native trees and grasses on Sunday to celebrate World Wetlands Day.
Over the last five years, the Banyam Baigham Landcare group has been meeting regularly to rid the once-fertile wetland at Slaters Creek of weeds, and replant native grasses and trees along the creek bank.
The Lismore City Council has partnered with WetlandCare Australia, Conservation Volunteers Australia, the Northern Rivers Science Hub, Ngulingah Local Aboriginal Land Council and the Landcare Group to host the event, which will run from 9am to 1pm and also include walks, talks, kids craft and activities.
Lismore City Council environmental strategies coordinator Vanessa Tallon said that Lismore Lions Club would hold a BBQ on the day and she invited families to come and plant, mulch and restore the wetlands of North Lismore.
‘After years of clearing and livestock grazing, Slaters Creek had become infested with weeds and a haven for the invasive coral tree,’ Ms Tallon said.
She said Slaters Creek holds cultural significance for local Indigenous people as it was previously a wetland, open forest and grassland hunting ground.
‘To finish replanting the entire creek, we need new volunteers to help. One day we hope to see Slaters Creek flourish again as a healthy and vibrant wetland.’
On Sunday, the Northern Rivers Science Hub will lead a science walk/talk on wetlands and their importance to coastal floodplain catchments.
Aunty Thelma James will also give a talk on the history and cultural significance of the area to the Banyam/Baigham people.
World Wetlands Day was first celebrated in 1997 to raise public awareness of the importance of wetlands and the ecosystems they support.
World Wetlands Day is on Sunday, 31 January from 9am to 1pm. The site is located at the northern end of Pine Street (off Terania Street), North Lismore.
Great example of Tony Abbotts direct Action by partnering with LandCare. Right on the money again.