The Armidale Urban Rivercare Group (AURG) is inviting all members of the community to join its next working bee.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Held next Sunday, between 8.30am and 12.30pm, the working bee will clean-up along the creeklands south of the Phil Wheaton Soccer Field with access off Erskine Street or along the bicycle track.
Studies by researchers from UNE have concluded that Dumaresq Creek has been significantly improved by AURG's efforts. Water quality is up, flow has improved and aquatic life in has benefited measurably.
Related stories:
AURG has successfully applied for grants to assist its volunteers continue their project, obtaining financial support from local, state and federal government agencies and funds.
Most recently the group has secured funding from Armidale Regional Council and an Environmental Trust Grant to revitalise Dumaresq Creek downstream from Taylor St, to close a gap between sections where work has been completed and to complement the Armidale Tree Group’s Urban Forest project.
AURG was formed 17 years ago by a group of keen volunteers to restore Dumaresq Creek and its immediate surrounds in accordance with the Council's management plans.
The aim was to improve water quality and flow, to regenerate the banks with endemic riparian plants supplied by the Armidale Tree Group, and to make the creek more accessible for all to enjoy.
The first project was clearing Dumaresq Creek and planting endemic riparian plants in Ken Jones Park at the south-western corner of the intersection of Dumaresq and Markham Sts.
Since then AURG has cleared noxious plants and weeds obstructing Dumaresq Creek, from near Lake Zot at UNE in the west to beyond the Phil Wheaton Oval in the east, and has planted more than 70,000 trees, shrubs and grasses.
AURG has initiated a number of projects and sought to coordinate its efforts with other groups. The Dumaresq Lions Club provides morning tea and lunch.
Meanwhile, Coles Supermarket, the Armidale Bowling Club, Hunter-New England Health, local schools, UNE and the Scouts are some of the other organisations they have worked with.
AURG invites members of the community to participate in its projects, from the planning to the working bees.
These are normally held on the second Sunday of the month, except in winter, in a leisurely, picnic-like atmosphere, with the Dumaresq Lions Club providing refreshments and a barbecue lunch to finish.
For Sunday’s working bee, participants are encouraged to wear long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy boots please bring gloves, broad brim hat and sunscreen. Morning tea and BBQ lunch will be provided for a gold coin donation.