Recapping a great day out with Mt Burr Swamp supporters
On Saturday 12th August 2017, approximately 70 people gathered at Mount Burr Swamp to join Nature Glenelg Trust (NGT) for an informal afternoon to celebrate the successful fundraising campaign that led to the purchase of the property almost a year ago.
With water levels rising and the bed of water ribbons in the wetland looking spectacular, attendees had the perfect backdrop for an enjoyable afternoon among fellow supporters.
The swamp is still filling, but the bed of water ribbons was already looking magnificent for the supporters event – held in the shearing shed (in the distance). By the way, can you spot the swan?
Photo by Lachlan Farrington on the 12th August, 2017.
Indeed, despite a dry June, the inundation extent of the wetland is greater than the same time last year, thanks to the success of the trial structure on the outlet drain restoring a deeper water level; ensuring the site held permanent water through last autumn for the first time in decades.
The swamp is still filling this year, and is higher than the same time last year – despite the dry June. Now, that is wetland restoration in action!
Photo by Cath Dickson
The afternoon kicked off with a couple of hours birdwatching, bushwalking and tree planting – and luckily the showers mostly stayed away!
Tree planting, walking, observing nature, plus a fun way of collecting seedling tubes – it was a great afternoon for people of all ages!
Photo by Cath Dickson
Then supporters gathered in the shearing shed to have afternoon tea, hear about NGT’s early works and future plans for the property, and to witness the unveiling of the permanent sign that has been installed in the shearing shed.
Supporters hear about the latest Mt Burr Swamp news.
Photo by Lachlan Farrington
The sign recognises all of the donors, volunteers and contributors to the project so far – of which there are too many to name here – and we thank them for their incredibly generous support. Major organisational partners in the project include the Native Vegetation Council, OneFortyOne Plantations, Natural Resources South East and the Nature Conservation Society of SA (through the bequest of Madeleine Boyce).
Local community groups that really dug deep and deserve a mention include the Millicent Field Naturalists Society and the Friends of Naracoorte Caves. I am also especially grateful to our major private supporters, who through their words and actions – when it really counted – led by example and drove the success of our public fundraising campaign last year. To Neil and Helen Ellison, Barb Cameron, James Darling, Lesley Forwood, Doug & Annette Balnaves and Michael Pocock – on behalf of NGT and all other project supporters, a heartfelt thank you.
Mark Bachmann was joined by two passionate local advocates for wetlands and water resources in the South East, Barb Cameron and Pip Rasenberg, to unveil the permanent supporters sign at Mt Burr Swamp. Photo courtesy of Pip Rasenberg.
All in all, it was a great day that reminded everyone who was present of the great things we can achieve for the environment when everyone chips in towards a common goal. While we still have a long way to go, thanks to that incredible community spirit, this ambitious project is now off to a flying start.
