Local groups and landholders to benefit from Grassroots Grants

The grants aim to support individuals, volunteers, schools, community organisations, First Nations and not-for-profit groups working locally for environmental benefits.

Chair of the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board, David Greenhough, said the first round of grants supported a range of interesting projects, inspiring more groups and individuals to get on board for round two.

“We were delighted to attract a large number of applications for our 2021-22 grants program. Some of these projects will build on work undertaken with round one funding, and others are new projects that will focus efforts on different environmental priorities and initiatives. It is fantastic to see a number of applications aligning with regenerative and sustainable agriculture principles, and others where community and volunteers are tackling large-scale restoration projects,” he said.

Following the success of the 2020-21 program, a new structure was adopted this year, hoping to further diversify the opportunity to be involved.

“We listened to previous applicants from round one, and changed the guidelines for this year’s program, offering two-tiers of funding – for projects under $1,000 and for projects up to $20,000. This has resulted in an easier application process for smaller projects such as for groups to purchase necessary supplies such as PPE, tree guards, or small quantities of plants.”

“The projects span the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board footprint, from Montacute to Cape Jervis, McLaren Vale to Hindmarsh Island, and everywhere in between. I look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition and thank all of the individual landholders, community groups, businesses and not-for-profits for getting involved for the betterment of our natural landscapes,” said Mr Greenhough.

The Revegetation of Sunnyspring Glen Reserve Project will involve revegetation to expand and build the resilience of a threatened remnant Candlebark (Manna Gum) woodland biome in Sunnyspring Glen Reserve at Aldgate. Candlebark woodlands are only found in a small number of high rainfall valleys in the Mount Lofty Ranges.

The design, fabrication and installation of signage outlining the geological, ecological and cultural heritage of Lot50-Kanyanyapilla (L50K), near McLaren Vale, and the aims of long term ecological regeneration, will form the Lot50-Kanyanyapilla - Ecological and Cultural Signage Project.

The Adelaide Hills Wine Region will undertake a project to improve water and soil management through monitoring across their footprint. This project will educate grape growers in the Adelaide Hills about water and soil management through the adoption of soil-moisture and temperature monitoring technology.

The Goolwa to Wellington Local Action Planning Association, will use the funding to support the formation and administration of the Hills and Coasts Community Group Alliance, an alliance of environmentally focussed community groups working in the Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges and surrounding areas.

The full list of Grassroots Grants recipients can be found here.