Plantings on Dumaresq Creek doing well and more to come

Armidale Urban Rivercare Group held a planning meeting for the 2013 season last week.  The group will continue their programme of removing and controlling weeds along Dumaresq Creek, and replacing them with natives.  Spokesperson for the group, Angus Adair said “We are really hoping that the community participation we had last spring continues for our autumn plantings.  The plants we put in during 2012 have had an excellent survival rate despite the dry and hot weather we had in early summer, and with recent rain they will get another great boost”.

The first working bee for 2013 will be on Sunday 10 February, on the southern side of the creek east of Taylor Street near Douglas Street.  This will finish the planting in the area where AURG worked in October with the support of Armidale’s Mental Health Services groups.  “We had 200 people participate last October for Mental Health month and we planted over 2000 plants” Angus Adair said.

AURG is supported by Armidale Dumaresq Council as well as Landcare and several local groups including Armidale Bowling Club. Armidale Dumaresq Lions Club regularly support the work by preparing morning tea and a barbecue lunch.  “Rehabilitation of Dumaresq Creek is a great way to participate in a community group that is doing something that benefits us all and has general support from the community” Angus said.  AURG has been helped enormously by the Commonwealth Biodiversity grant received in 2012.  As well as paying for the seedlings they are able to employ a contractor to do some of the heavy preparation work.  Armidale Dumaresq Council Waste Services provides the mulch.

AURG will shift its focus to UNE and the area west of the Elm Avenue Bridge later in February.  “As well as plantings at Douglas Street and UNE this autumn, we will begin preparation for a spring planting drive along the creek at Elizabeth Park next spring” Angus said.

AURG invites all members of the Armidale community to come along and help the rehabilitation of Dumaresq Creek.  On Sunday February 10 from 8:30, AURG will be working east of Taylor Street on the southern bank. Please BYO gloves, hat, long sleeve shirt and trousers, sturdy shoes and sunscreen. A trowel or other planting implements would be great as well.

A morning tea and BBQ lunch will be provided by Armidale Dumaresq Lions for a gold coin donation.