Since forming in 1997, the Congupna Tallygaroopna Landcare group have planted thousands of trees and are slowly changing the landscape of their local area. The group has undertaken a wide variety of projects from community weed control programs to school education days, WaterWatch and large-scale tree planting. All this despite enduring drought conditions and the loss of a significant amount of irrigation water over the past 10 years.
We MEET on the THIRD WEDNESDAY of each month, all welcome!
Contact Secretary TRISH MOSS 03 5829 8255LONG TERM PROJECTS:
Congupna Bushland ReserveOur group are trying to preserve this area of native vegetation on the corner of the Congupna East and Lemnos Nth Roads. With the help of government grants andthe continued efforts of member Caroline Edwards, we have planted a range of native shrubs and grasses. We are also kept busy controlling weeds in the reserve. We now have a gravel track through the reserve and a gravel carpark at the entrance to improve access to and enjoyment of the reserve.
Pony Paddock Park
Located next to the Congupna Primary School. Our group have worked with the primary school to plant many native species in this area. Numerous working bees have resulted in fencing, picnic tables, a walking path and information plaque. Our member, Margaret Farrell, has spent many hours organising these activities, maintaining the area and pursuing grants to enhance the Pony Paddock. We are currently working on our Bush Tucker Walk.
The Congupna School has obtained funding to install a water tank running from their outdoor shelter area, which is now being used to water the plantings in the Pony Paddock.
Recent Events
The Congupna Tallygaroopna Landcare Group, in partnership with the Keep Australia Beautiful "Adopt-a-roadside Scheme", have established a small section of revegetation surrounding our Landcare sign next to the Goulburn Valley Highway, South West of Congupna. The species planted in July and August 2009 are all indigenous to the local area.
Membership Signs
We have recently obtained Congupna Tallygaroopna Landcare Group membership signs at a reasonable cost for members to place at their property entrance. This is an exciting step in promoting our active and committed group in the area.
Media Release for 10 year celebration
Even in dry conditions, thousands of trees planted around the Congupna and Tallygaroopna districts continue to grow, slowly changing the landscape every year and at significant cultural and environmental sites, a Landcare sign proudly announces the site?s association with the Landcare group.
The Congupna-Tallygaroopna Landcare Group may not have been around for as long as other Landcare groups, but what they lack in years, they certainly make up for in enthusiasm and action!
Since 1997, the landscape around Congupna and Tallygaroopna has changed due to the vision of the Congupna-Tallygaroopna Landcare Group.
?We had humble beginnings?, said Caroline Edwards, who served as the group?s secretary for eight years and as treasure for three years.
?Our first activity was a roadside clean-up, nice and simple, just to get people out doing something that would have an instant visual affect on the landscape.? Caroline added.
From these humble beginnings the Congupna-Tally group, as it is affectionately known, has undertaken a wide variety of projects, both large and small.
?We?ve done everything from community weed control projects to school education days, fox control programs, WaterTable Watch and even some large-scale collaborative tree-planting and wetlands projects.? Said former group president David Doyle.
?I?ve dressed up as a character called ?Ellie the Emu? to promote the WaterTable Watch program and I?ve spent time door-knocking to tell neighbours about funding opportunities or upcoming Landcare activities. Anything to get people involved with the environment.? David added.
Landcare groups everywhere understand it can take a lot of time and effort to organise community activities and to get on-ground works done.
?David and I have put in hours of hard work to get things happening in the area. But we?re not the only ones! We have a great group out here and every volunteer should be acknowledged for their efforts.? Caroline said.
The group realised in 2002, just how big a role Landcare could play in the community when they organised some drought information and guest speakers as part of a regular meeting.
?We got about 100 people to that meeting. It was incredible. We were only expecting our 15-20 regulars. We were so pleased to have met what was obviously an urgent need at the time.? David remembers.
Caroline added, ?We are confident that Landcare will continue its wide and varied role in the community too. We put a lot of work in with the schools around the area and as long as the group continues to adapt to the community?s and the environment?s needs, Congupna-Tally Landcare should have many good years ahead!?