By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS
THIS year marked the 33rd World Environment Day and the South Dandenong Landcare Group (SDLG) organised events to raise environmental awareness.
Two hundred new plants were cultivated over the weekend at Colby Driver Reserve in Belgrave and at Minak Reserve in Selby.
The SDLG has been working to restore the swamp lands at Mink Reserve that work as a natural filtration system for the residential runoff that flows into Monbulk Creek.
SDLG president Vicki Boyle said the small tributary of the Monbulk creek at Minak Reserve was of great importance to the rest of Monbulk Creek.
“It’s the first tributary that comes into Monbulk creek and enters the national park,” she said.
“There are six tiny little creeks that from springs up on the hill and they join together.
“It was very neglected.
“It’s very beautiful and has lots of valuable vegetation.”
Where there was once only open space, the SDLG has re-established plant life and ponds to support habitat for native animal species.
These include the platypus, the powerful owl, and the greater glider possum; as well as improving the water quality that flows downstream.
Darcy Duggan, a local naturalist botanist, and vice-president of the SDLG, thinks this kind of natural draining and filtration system is a better alternative to the way water drainage is constructed currently.
He said the SDLG wanted to lead by example with these works.
“We want to be an example for the Yarra Ranges Council,” he said.
“Council doesn’t have the best environmental outcomes, and we’re pushing for a softer engineering approach.”
Ten people attended the event at Colby Drive Reserve and another 10 participated in the planting at Minak Reserve, including Yarra Ranges councillor, Mike Clarke.
