Farrer Ridge Parkcare Group

Project Profile

Issues

The future of Farrer Ridge is being protected and nurtured by the Farrer Ridge Parkcare Group through a range of innovative and hands-on activities. The dedication of the volunteers will enable the work to continue and encourage the next generation of ‘Landcarers” to become actively involved.

Project Detail

Farrer Ridge Parkcare Group (FRPG) has been nominated for a National Landcare Award for its work preserving and protecting Farrer Ridge. FRPG has undertaken an extensive number of projects including erosion control, weed removal, vegetation mapping and bushfire regeneration monitoring and seed collection and propagation.

The popular walking track up Farrer Hill was experiencing erosion and FRPG helped to control this by installing Ironbark logs and rock steps. To further protect the track, Nature Trail signs were installed to direct walkers around the sensitive areas of the Ridge.

The group has been very successful in removing woody weeds and regularly undertakes weeding activities. The on-going removal of the weeds ensures the Ridge does not develop thickets or become overgrown with weeds.

A comprehensive vegetation mapping survey was conducted and now incorporates a number of overlaying maps providing an invaluable resource for the group and the community.

Following devastating bushfires in 2003, much of the vegetation on Farrer Ridge was destroyed. FRPG monitored the recovery on four sites incorporating different vegetation zones. Through a variety of activities including recording of all plant species, photographic records and the monitoring of one particular eucalypt, the recovery of Farrer Ridge has been thoroughly documented.

Another important FRPG initiative is its work with Farrer Primary School where they teach the value of volunteering and nature appreciation. The children are taken on popular excursions to Farrer Ridge to learn about sustaining ecosystems and assist group members with plantings.

The collection of local seeds and plant propagation allows the FRPG to ensure the local species are planted back in areas with existing communities. These plantings assist to both restore degraded areas and establish new growth sites.

Through the dedicated efforts of FRPG, the Farrer Ridge Nature Trail is one of the treasures of Canberra’s Reserve System. The group will continue to protect the area and encourage the next generation of ‘carers’ to understand the significance of Farrer Ridge.

The Farrer Ridge Parkcare Group project is one of 88 finalists in the National Landcare Awards to be announced in Canberra on 24 June 2010. Commencing in 1991, the Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and groups that make a valuable contribution to the land and coast where they live and work.

Photography

Farrer Ridge Park Care