Revegetation Of The Yarra Bend

Our brand new flagship project!

The Yarra Bend Park in Melbourne has been subject to land clearing and urbanisation overtime, since european colonisation, causing considerable damage that has prevented the ecosystem from healing itself. This revegetation project will be undertaken across 2 hectares of land including the Banksia Park Billabong, Banksia Park and Annulus Billabong, Yarra Flats Park to help the ecosystems thrive again.

 

Flora imbalances such as weed invasions and monocultures that have developed over time will be addressed by removing problem flora and reintroducing particular native plants, this will also include the construction of an indigenous medicine trail. Additionally, these two parcels of land suffer from endangered fauna populations, which we aim to resolve by reintroducing native aquatic and terrestrial animals such as fish and frogs to supplement ecosystem rejuvenation

Hear from Parks Victoria rangers about the problems facing this land:

Banksia Park Billabong, Banksia Park

Annulus Billabong, Yarra Flats Park

What do we hope to achieve and why is it important?

Through revegetating the Yarra Bend Park we hope to restore and expand native vegetation and wildlife habitat, which is important for the surrounding environment and people. Revegetation will help reduce Melbourne’s carbon footprint while encouraging community development. Through conducting reforestation, we aim to strengthen community ties and creating a bond to this project. We hope it will provide an opportunity for individuals to feel a sense of belonging to something meaningful, ensuring the park is nurtured for generations to come. Being near the heart of Melbourne, this bush area also provides an opportunity for urban populations to connect with animals and the environment, benefitting mental and physical health.

Plant species used by the Wurundjeri people for medicinal purposes, chosen by our Plant Specialist:

Who is involved?

Over 50-60 people will be involved in ensuring this project reaches its greatest potential!

• Our generous sponsor, the Une Parkinson Foundation gave us the opportunity to take on this project.
• Parks Victoria have been providing background information and essential support, they will continue to be heavily  involved in the project.
• Our incredible Roots & Shoots leaders will be running this project, in both design and execution.
• The Wurundjeri people have been essential in providing advice on which native plants and animals need to be reintroduced as well as helping with the construction of an indigenous medicinal trail that will run through the park.
• Aquatic and terrestrial specialists from nearby universities will be playing advisory roles.
• Three local school communities will be helping with hands on volunteering throughout the project.
• Our amazing volunteers who will be trained in harvesting and replanting

How can I help?

If you would like to help the Roots & Shoots revegetation project please donate via the JGIA donation page. Your donations will aid in the support of aquatic species, amphibians and native plants that will be reintroduced into the area!

If you are in Melbourne between May-June 2019 and would like to lend a hand with the planting of trees, we would love your help. Sign up to the newsletter and keep checking our website for updates on volunteer days.

We look forward to seeing you!