December Working Bee

Please come along and help us re-establish the missing natural creek-side plants that protect against flood erosion.

The area downstream of Alexandra Street, Campbells Creek (centred about here) is one we’ve focussed on over the last couple of years.  Neglected for decades, it was choked with noxious weeds and weeds of national significance (blackberry, African boxthorn, crack willow, etc.).  We’ve dealt with most of those weeds and the area is now ready for revegetation.

During the century long gold mining era, the original black floodplain soil here was dug up and washed away.  After the 1850s gold rush, the Campbells Creek floodplain was dredged from the 1900s to the 1950s.  The soil throughout the dredged area is now a mixture of loose gravel and recent silt deposits.  That means this area will always be vulnerable to flood damage.  Unsurprisingly, that’s exactly what happened in the recent large flood.

The gold mining damage will take thousands of years to repair itself naturally, but we can help speed up the process!  Plants that grow at, or near, low water level in the creek slow down the waterflow during floods.  They and their roots help protect the “toe” (the bottom) of the banks against undercutting erosion and consequent bank collapse.

Today we’ll be planting several hundred seedlings of plant species (including River Tea-tree, River Bottlebrush, Rough-barked Honey-myrtle, Common Reed, etc.) that grow best in that position.

Meet here at the west end of National School Lane, Campbells Creek for a 10:00 a.m. start.  There’s plenty of space for car parking.

Wear: clothing, including gloves, suitable for the weather and that can withstand wetting: we’ll be working in the water!  Please bring waders if you have them.  We have a few spare pairs available: otherwise, gumboots or other sturdy footwear are best.

Bring: your own drinking water if you need it.

We’ll supply everything else, including light refreshments afterwards.

Hope to see you there!