Volunteers needed for sand dune planting day

Natural Resources Northern and Yorke are seeking volunteers for a community planting day at Thidna Reserve (Gleeson’s back beach) on Saturday 31 May, to help stabilise fragile sand dunes at the Southern Yorke Peninsula beach.

With its impressive coastline, spectacular scenery and beautiful beaches; Yorke Peninsula has much to offer tourists to the region, however, Natural Resources Northern and Yorke Community Ranger Max Barr says it is also a very fragile area and replanting is required to help protect valuable sand dunes.

“Much of the Yorke Peninsula is backed by rolling sand dunes which provide habitat for native animals, nesting sites for birds and support fragile coastal vegetation,” he says.

“The dune system is extremely fragile and sensitive to disturbances and when vehicles drive off the beaten track through the sand dunes they destroy vegetation.

“Plants play an important role in stabilising highly mobile sand dunes and once damaged it takes a long time for these plants to return in this harsh, exposed environment.”

Max says Natural Resources Northern and Yorke is working with community groups on Southern Yorke Peninsula to rehabilitate sand dune areas damaged by recreational activities.

Anyone interested in lending a hand is invited to attend the planting day.

For full details please phone Max Barr on 8553 2795 or email max.barr@sa.gov.au.