The Goulburn wetlands are hopping with life following autumn rain as walkers beat a path to the popular spot.
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A resident mob of kangaroos graze at safe distance while volunteers take a morning tea break from planting.
That's the scene on many days at the Eastgrove wetlands off May Street. Friends of Goulburn Swamplands, better known as FROGS, have been steadily rejuvenating the once overgrown brick pits since 2014.
The project, initiated in 2010, has come a long way, thanks to input from wise heads, newly elected FROGS president Heather West explained.
Walkways weave among the many plantings and bird and wildlife thrive in the rejuvenated landscape.
A picnic table donated by Goulburn City Lions was recently installed, adding to seats funded by Argyle Garden Club and the Rotary Club of Goulburn.
"The number of families coming over to walk and have a look during the coronavirus restrictions was amazing," Mrs West said.
"There were people pushing prams and school kids. The wetlands are going really well."
An area cleared of Chilean needle grass was planted out with Hakea and Banksia three weeks ago. A separate space will be filled with native grasses, complementing others across the wetlands.
The work continued during coronavirus lock-downs, thanks to social distancing.
Mrs West said a 150-page management plan under-pinned the project. It mapped water inundation levels and soil types, dictating the best spot for different plants.
Berms installed in the wetlands years ago have directed water flow. Plans are also afoot to direct recycled water in winter into the area.
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Volunteers with a world of expertise have jumped on board. Mrs West, an avid historian, has been involved since 2010. She's keenly interested in the former brick pits operated by Thomas Stubbings.
"He used to also grow hay and rows of carrots with poison among them to kill the rabbits," she said.
Saint Clair villa architect, James Sinclair, also ran brick pits there and the area was the site of Goulburn's first courthouse, Mrs West told The Post. The city pound once stood close to the May Street bridge.
Former Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority officers John Reynolds and Robert Adam also give their time and expertise.
Former federal environment department staffer, Frank Antram, who moved to Goulburn eight years ago, has identified 128 bird species at the wetlands.
"It's not bad for a little area and it's often dry," he said.
"Now that the plants are more mature we're getting other birds like the Fuscous honeyeater turning up. They're not here much but they arrive in late July."
Secretary of the Goulburn Field Naturalists Society, Diana Moran, longtime Landcare volunteer Bill Wilkes and the resident 'Mr Fixit,' Bill Young are among those also dedicating their time.
Mrs West said long-term stalwart Ray Shiel had moved on to other projects in Goulburn and did not seek re-election as FROGS president.
Meantime, wetlands work is growing by the week, including gardens by the Australian Plant Society and plans for more seating.
"The comments from the community have been wonderful," Mrs West said.
"I enjoy getting out with people who want to do things for Goulburn and not expect the council to do everything. People and companies like Divall's have also been very generous."
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Louise Thrower
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
