Friends of Spring Gully 30th Anniversary Dinner
The Friends of Spring Gully Conservation Park have accomplished some outstanding conservation outcomes and dedicated countless volunteer hours since their first meeting at the Clare Community Centre in 1987.
Eighteen past and present members, along with staff from Natural Resources Northern and Yorke, recently celebrated 30 years of achievement at the Sevenhill Hotel, with many attendees having been involved with the Friends of Spring Gully since inception.
Natural Resources Northern and Yorke Volunteer Support Officer Carly Dillon said that the evening was a great opportunity for past and present members to come together to celebrate their successes.
“The commitment and continued passion and enthusiasm that the Friends group volunteers show to Spring Gully Conservation Park is inspiring,” Ms Dillon said.
“The group have actively targeted a variety of weeds, including briar rose and a lavender infestation that they have slowly contained, subsequently reducing its spread through the park.”
“They also work on maintaining walking trails for the community to enjoy, and protecting nationally-threatened orchids, by undertaking weed control and installing protective caging to minimise any negative impacts on the species.”
President of the Friends of Spring Gully Conservation Park Geoff Brownlie said that members were proud to be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the founding of the group.
“The anniversary was a great opportunity to recognise our achievements, and to meet some of the past members who contributed to the group over the 30 years,” Mr Brownlie said.
“Working bees are a chance for volunteers to contribute to conservation particularly through helping control weeds in the Park. Our members have good knowledge of plants and animals so it’s a great way to learn about our local environment.”
Ms Dillon said without the groups work and dedication, the park would not be in as good a condition as it is.
“We thank the Friends of Spring Gully for their hard work and congratulate them on their achievements in conservation over the past thirty years,” Ms Dillon said.
The Friends of Spring Gully Conservation Park are supported by Natural Resources Northern and Yorke staff and Friends of Parks Inc.
The group hold working bees in the park on the second and fourth Saturday of each month. If you are interested in joining the Friends group or would like more information, contact the Natural Resources Centre in Clare on 8841 3444.
