If you are looking for opportunities to get involved in maintaining and improving your local natural areas, read on! Parklands hosts regular volunteer mornings in various parks and reserves around Albury where you can be a part of the movement to increase the biodiversity value of these patches of land. Feel empowered about making a difference by learning both about the ecosystems themselves as well as about the strategies to maintain them.

This month, Devil’s Glen is the focus of our Park Stewardship Program. Devil’s Glen is a patch of reserve which is part of the larger Eastern Hill Reserve. This area is vitally important as it provides a habitat corridor between the Murray River and the hills. Along with Nail Can Hill, it has the most intact vegetation and highest biodiversity value of the Albury Environmental Lands. Of particular importance at the Eastern Hill Reserve is the box gum grassy woodland. This habitat type is critically endangered in eastern Australia and only 5% of this woodland remains across the country. These woodlands grow on fertile soils that have been favoured for pasture and cropping and those that are left tend to be highly fragmented.

The primary woody weeds to be tackled here are elms. Targeted cutting and poisoning of woody weed stems is proving an effective measure of control and is one way that the community can become involved in the care-taking of their local environment. Consistent maintenance stops these woody weeds from recolonising and allows for native species to become established instead.

The volunteer morning at Devil’s Glen in on April 26 from 9am – 11am. Follow the link to see the event details and to register.

You need don’t any prior experience or tools; our Rangers will provide all the information and equipment you need. You’ll just need to ensure you have appropriate clothing such as long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, a hat, and closed footwear, as well as some water.

Thanks to Albury City Council for the financial support of the Park Stewardship Program.