Home Your environment

Printer friendly version

Bushcare

Bushcare is the general name given to environmental programs in which the community is involved in managing and maintaining remnant bushland in local areas.

Remnant vegetation is the original native flora, usually indigenous to an area, which needs to be protected and expanded to conserve native plants and provide native animals with vital food and shelter.

Many plants and animals are now considered rare or endangered because so much bushland has been destroyed by urban expansion and agricultural development. The remaining patches of remnant vegetation are vital in the conservation of many species and vegetation communities. Preservation of remnants can also enhance residents' quality of life.

Hawkesbury City Council manages over 1500 hectares of native bushland in 61 different parks and reserves. Council's bushland management program aims to reduce or eliminate the adverse impacts of urban development whilst restoring or conserving native plant and animal communities. Natural areas in the region include forests and woodlands, wetlands, creeks, and watercourses, riverbanks, roadsides and private property.

Their special values may include habitat for small native animals, birds, scenic beauty, green space, improvement of water quality, shade and a quiet resting space for relaxation.

As a community-based program, Bushcare is an integral part of the management of our bushland. It provides the opportunity to meet other residents and feel a sense of satisfaction in seeing the rehabilitation of a reserve. In addition to the works being carried out by Council staff and professional contractors, volunteers are making significant contributions to the conservation and management of these valuable areas. Participants are provided with direction and technical advice including training, tools, signage for work sites, rubbish removal, newsletters and the use of a community nursery to propagate native plants.

Buschare Calendar for local Bushcare groups - Sites in the: Bowen Mountain / Kurrajong /Kurrajong Heights area. Glossodia / Ebenezer / Lower Portland areas. McGraths Hill Community Nursery.

Browse our Community Directory for a List of Bushcare Groups & General Information (In the 'Search Community Directory' type: bushcare then select 'Go')

The Hawkesbury Community Nursery is available for use by Hawkesbury residents to produce native plants for non-profit purposes such as for environmental restoration plantings, private gardens and for community projects like Bushcare, Landcare, School and Scout Groups.  Click to view Community Nursery Information

© 2008 Hawkesbury City Council
This page: http://hawkesbury.local-e.nsw.gov.au/environment/18291.html