Restore the Big Scrub by helping Rous County Council and Big Scrub Landcare to plant 1,000 rainforest trees along the Wilsons River. Then join us for a guided walk where we’ll discuss creating healthy vegetated riverbanks by preventing cattle access, how we can establish endemic natives in frost and flood affected areas, and about weed control and bush regeneration techniques.
WHERE: Wilsons River Tidal Pool, Lismore
WHEN: Friday 20th September
TIME: 8:30am to 12:30pm
WHAT TO BRING: Gloves, hat, sturdy footwear, long pants, water bottle
COST: FREE with a BBQ brunch/refreshments provided
BOOKINGS: 66233800 | council@rous.nsw.gov.au
NOTE: Park at Lions Park.
Rous County Council (RCC) delivers bulk water, weed biosecurity and flood mitigation services to the Northern Rivers of NSW. As the regional water supply authority, it provides water to approximately 100,000 people in Lismore, Ballina, Byron and Richmond Valley. One of its key regional water supply sources is the Wilsons River, which involves the extraction of water from the Wilsons River at Howards Grass, 5 km north of Lismore.
The Wilsons River tidal pool project aims to protect water quality in the Wilsons River while improving agricultural productivity and biodiversity. In partnership with landholders along the Wilsons River tidal pool, RCC aims to link up existing restoration projects in the vicinity of Lismore and Boat Harbour Nature Reserve – one of the last significant remnants of lowland subtropical rainforest in the region.
Big Scrub Landcare (BSL)’s mission is promoting, facilitating and undertaking long-term restoration of critically endangered lowland subtropical rainforest.
SAFETY: The day will involve a creek crossing and approximately 1 km of walking across variable terrain requiring a moderate level of fitness. Please take care moving around the site and watch out for uneven ground. Please be aware that some plants can cause scratches, stings and allergies. A detailed listing of safety issues and controls is available in the risk assessment conducted for the event, available from RCC. RCC will make available drinking water and sunscreen; however, participants need to bring sturdy footwear, dress appropriately for the weather, and wear a hat.
AGENDA
| 8:30 |
SIGN IN, introductions and format of morning – Overview of project – Safety Anthony Acret (Rous County Council) |
| 8:30-10:30 |
COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING using endemic native rainforest species suitable for frost and flood areas With Big Scrub Landcare and Rous County Council |
| 10.30-11.00 |
FREE BBQ BRUNCH of egg and bacon rolls (vego options available – please notify council of dietary requirements when booking), tea and coffee. Provided by Rous County Council |
| 11.00-12.30 |
WALK AND TALK looking at: · A healthy riparian vegetation zone (an example of Lowland Rainforest on Floodplain in the NSW North Coast bioregion – an Endangered Ecological Community under the Threatened Species Conservation Act) · Species selection using endemic native rainforest species suitable for frost and flood areas · Alternative rainforest plantings outlining different planting and success (density, species, maintenance) · Fencing management options in a flood-zone With Jesse Vandenbosh (Big Scrub Regen), Yusuke Koda and Stuart Hood (Rous County Council) |