A large scale project to reinstate a nationally threatened species of native gum in Camden is about to get under way.
Camden Council has successfully secured $91,600 in Federal Government funding to extend the endangered river-flat eucalypt forest and create habitat for the Camden White Gum.
The Camden white gum (Eucalyptus benthamii), which is considered a threatened Australian native species, is native to the Nepean River and its tributaries near Camden.
Its threatened status was in part a result of the construction of the Warragamba Dam in 1933 that flooded a large area of its habitat.
The species was well known to Aboriginal people of the area who called it durrum-by-ang.
The species was listed as a vulnerable in July 2000.
“This is an intensive project to replenish the spectacular natural biodiversity of our area and create habitats for native animals and bird life,” says Camden Mayor Lara Symkowiak.
“We have plant and animal species that are endangered in our area and we want to conserve and enhance their delicate environment and secure their future,” Cr Symkowiak said.
“This project will involve the collaboration of community and government to make it a real success.’’
The remediation program involves planting 22,000 native trees and shrubs, including 200 white gums, along a portion of the Nepean River at the Camden Town Farm.
The first phase will involve the removal of four hectares of woody weeds, which will begin next month.
Once complete, planting will start.
Everyone in the community is invited to join in for planting events to be held on National Tree Day (July 29) and in 2019 on World Environment Day (June) and Threatened Species Day (September).
The Creating Habitat for Camden White Gum project has been funded by the Australian Government’s 20 Million Trees Program through the Department of Environment and Energy.
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Camden residents who want to lend a hand in preserving local bushland are reminded they can join one of several Bushcare groups.
The volunteer program has been set up by Camden Council to actively manage and maintain the urban bushland of the Camden local government area.
Volunteers are welcome to join any group currently working in the following bushland areas from 9am to 12pm:
Harrington Forest – Scanlon Crescent, Harrington Park, third Saturday of the month;
Hayter Reserve – Wire Lane, Camden South, first Friday of the month;
Kings Bush Reserve – Chellaston Street, Camden, every Tuesday and first Sunday of the month;
Parrott Farm Reserve – Richardson Road, Narellan (next to RFS), second Friday of the month;
Ron Dine Reserve – McCrae Dr (and Cowper Dr), Camden South, third Friday of the month;
Sickles Creek Reserve – Sickles Drive, Grasmere, last Sunday of the month;
Spring Farm Reserve – Hampshire Boulevard, Spring Farm, second Saturday of the month.
