The Green Teams program started after the 2019-2020 fires, using Resilience and Recovery Support funding to supply tools and other equipment. The purpose of the program was to assist with native habitat management on Land for Wildlife properties. An information session in March of 2021 at Mangrove Mountain Hall gathered interested community members.
April 2021 — The 1st Green team weed morning was at Mangrove Mountain with 4 in attendance, weeding in fire affected area. Whiskey grass, lantana, ink weed, flea bane, and blackberry were the primary invaders. 3 chook feed bags of weeds was removed.
The 2nd Green Team session was in Somersby with 5 in attendance, weeding primarily whiskey grass. This continued between two participating properties for 2 years with occasional assistance from other volunteers. In 2023 we met at Mangrove Mountain Flora Reserve with community invited to assist with weed management and learn about the unique flora, habitat and organisms. Two properties from Spencer area joined the team. For a short time over the last 5 years, we had 6 participating properties.
Over the 5 years the team has spent 140 hours weeding and maintaining approx. 0.5Ha of natural bushland on members properties. As part of this, the team learnt about weeding methods, wildlife, flora, insects, fungi, planted 107 plants for regeneration on steep slope, collected seed, rescued plants and more. A highlight for most is the monthly, social interaction and morning tea provided by the host property.
After our 5-year anniversary in April, the Green Team is extending an open invitation to interested community members to join the team at Mangrove Mountain Recreation Reserve, near Mangrove Mountain Hall for their May session on the 8th of May at 9:30am. Training, equipment, and Morning tea will be provided.
Paul Madden
Local Landcare Coordinator
Community Environment Network
