In 2016 our volunteers and contractors, ably supported by our Management Committee and Piccabeen Bookshop volunteers, will carry on the great work begun in previous years. Some of our earlier regeneration sites now need only a little maintenance; others are still being cleared of invasive weeds and planted with species native to the mountain. And at our Landcare Centre on Hartley Rd the work continues to develop this as a resource and showpiece of local plants.

If you would like to help us in any practical way, by volunteering at our bookshop or at any of our sites, or contributing your expertise in some other way, check out our website (www.tamborinemtnlandcare.org.au) or phone our president, Judith Roland (0429 808 206). We'd love to hear from you.

This month's Newsflash profiles one of our newest (and very beautiful) sites where a small band of committed volunteers are making a remarkable difference to a formerly weed-infested wilderness.  

Situated at the end of Manitzky Road, named after local smith Fritz Manitzky, this park neighbours the Witches Falls National Park.

  
Crossing the grassy verge at the entrance you're greeted by the sight of towering gums and tallow woods. The seasonal Fenwick Creek runs down in the gully to the left before making its way down to the falls below.

Two years since they began restoring the site, the small hardworking Landcare team have witnessed astounding changes, made both by nature - storms that have brought down trees and sent through rushing flood waters - and by the volunteers' efforts.

January 2015 

January 2016

Shortly after clearing lantana from the entrance and completing the first planting, the group discovered an earlier council planting project. Those now established trees had been covered in vines and were just waiting to be freed so they could spring to life. This was a great starting point, and those specimens have now been joined by approximately 600 more seedlings, as clearing and planting continue. Our plantings have been helped along by natural regeneration, thanks to the abundant bird life in the area. Ground covers and grasses have also started to flourish.

A walking path has been established through the site. As well as providing access to the different areas, it is a lovely way to view the park.

Still in its early stages, Manitzky Park has great potential to benefit all residents, human and non-human, for many years ahead.

Working bees at the site are held on the second Saturday of each month. If you would like to join in, you'd be very welcome. Contact Caroline Edwards (ph 55450453 or email: caz_e@tpg.com.au).