Municipality
Meander Valley
Funding Status
Fully Supported
Achievement Plans
We plan to plant approximately 700 trees, grasses and shrubs through this project. 250 trees and shrubs will be planted in the dam’s margins, providing shading, wind protection and canopy for habitat. In the inflow zone of the dam, a further 200 grasses will be planted to filter the water and provide habitat for fish and reptiles. Additional plantings in the shallow water and spillway will further enhance the health of the water and species that use it. Targeted gorse management will be undertaken to eradicate invasive weeds from the dam site.
Methods
Throughout Summer and Autumn we will continue to undertake targeted weed management to control the gorse regrowth. Prior to planting, we will spray small circles where the trees will be planted in order to manage the competition from the existing grass. This is an approach we have used over the last two years of tree plantings, and we have been really happy with the outcomes, seeing good tree establishment with minimal thistle and grass weed competition. In early August, our family will plant the majority of species, with additional planting occurring as the water level of the dam changes to ensure we’re able to plant grasses through the shallow water areas most effectively.
Natural Values
This dam enhancement project will restore native vegetation surrounding a farm dam through planting nearly 700 native shrubs, grasses and trees. Doing so will provide important habitat and food sources for a range of species in addition to improving the water quality in the dam, and flowing into Leith's Creek and the Meander River. Within the last 1-2 years that this dam has been fenced, we’ve seen an increase in the bird, mammal and swan populations at the site. This project has been designed with the aims of supporting the existing populations so that they continue to nest and visit the dam, while increasing the numbers and diversity of species to enhance the dam’s biodiversity.
Outcomes
By undertaking this weed management and biodiverse native planting, we expect the following to occur:1. Increased numbers and species of native wildlife visiting and using the dam 2. Improved water quality in the dam, and flowing into Leith’s creek and the Meander River from the dam
Amount
$5k - $10k
