Restoration of the surroundings of Forest Creek is the major project of Castlemaine Landcare Group.
Forest Creek is a significant part of the Castlemaine urban environment.   The Great Dividing Trail runs alongside the creek, from Wheeler Street, behind the tennis courts and through Happy Valley en route to Chewton.  The environment along the creek has been seriously damaged over the years, with removal of native vegetation, infestation by weeds, mining, earth works, rubbish dumping and erosion.
Restoration of a healthy environment is a major project that is being undertaken with the assistance of a number of groups, including the North Central Catchment Management Authority, the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Mt Alexander Shire Council, Castlemaine Landcare Group, students from Castlemaine Primary School and Castlemaine Secondary College and other community groups and members of the public.
Castlemaine Landcare Group is responsible for the section of Forest Creek between Wheeler Street and Colles Road.
Extensive grooming in March 2005 removed much of the gorse and blackberry.  Community planting days in 2003 - 2011 have restored some of the native vegetation.   Castlemaine Landcare Group holds regular working bees to remove weeds, water and protect the existing plants and prepare for future plantings.
The new plants and associated maintenance work are making a noticeable impact on the appearance of the area.   In the long term, Happy Valley will become one of the outstanding natural features of Castlemaine.  If you haven't visited for a while, why not take a walk or a bike ride along the walking track and see for yourself.