Catching on to catchment management
Natural Resources Northern and Yorke’s Four Rivers initiative was launched in 2013 and encouraged landholders, community groups and volunteers to take an active role in looking after the region’s catchments.
With World Water Day being held in March every year, Jennifer Munro, Natural Resources Northern and Yorke Water Officer said it’s a great time for people to think about building on the foundation created by the Four Rivers initiative.
“Our catchments are made up of land, waterways, groundwater, wetlands, soil, plants and animals that interact together to give us our unique aquatic landscape,” said Jennifer.
“Since we launched the Four Rivers initiative a range of work has been undertaken in our catchments including revegetation, weed management and soil protection. It’s great that so many people have already rolled up their sleeves to help restore and protect the catchments that we all rely on.
“Protecting our catchments is an ongoing job and we’re encouraging people to continue to be active participants in caring for our catchments.
“This year we’ll be holding workshops to discuss river care issues and the current and future activities of the Catchment Community.
“It’s a great chance for people to find out what they can do on their own properties or in their community to look after our catchments.”
Workshops will be held in Melrose and Crystal Brook and will feature a riverbank habitat walk and slideshow, where participants will learn about water dependent vegetation and wildlife including birds, reptiles and insects.
The health and life cycle of the region’s majestic River Red Gums will also be discussed.
Wilochra catchment workshop
When: Tuesday, 1 April 2014 from 3.30 pm – 7.30 pmWhere: Melrose Showgrounds, Melrose
Broughton catchment workshop
When: Wednesday, 2 April 2014 from 3.30 pm – 7.30 pmWhere: Bowman’s Park, Crystal Brook
A free barbecue will be provided at the workshops. Please RSVP by 30 March for catering purposes to 08 8841 3444.
Additional information:
Collectively, the Willochra, Broughton, Wakefield and Light Catchments cover 1,460,000 ha – roughly 60 per cent of the region. They are home to high quality remnant native vegetation, host 42 nationally threatened species and are a significant resource for primary production. Workshops for the Wakefield and Light catchments will be held later in the year.
