Students helping to restore Farmers Creek

20 June 2008, 9:24am

HSC Students looking satisfied with the site they planted out recently

TAFE Students completed the final day of their outdoor recreation course by participating in a weeding and tree planting activity in the Saywell St Reserve, near Lake Pillans recently.

The 14 students used the activity to complete a 10 day residential field based course and braved cold weather to extend plantings along a section of the reserve adjacent to Farmers Creek.

The Lithgow and Districts Landcare Group has been hosting this initiative in conjunction with TAFE over the last two years.

This year students were assisted by the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Authority's (HNCMA) new Community Support Officer, Peter Evans.

"Although the students were cold and tired, after weeding, planting, mulching and watering in the 85 plants, it was a tremendous effort," Mr Evans said.

A total of 85 native trees and shrubs sourced from the Lithgow Community Nursery were planted on the South-Western side of the reserve, complementing the ongoing works which have been undertaken by the Lithgow and Districts Landcare group for a number of years.

Simone Carroll from TAFE explained that it was important for the students to give back to the environment following the conclusion of the 10 day course following the conclusion of the 10-day course, which also provides training in abseiling, white-water rafting and canyoning.

"It is a great opportunity for the students to reduce their carbon footprint on the environment," said Mr Carroll.

Further activities are planned with other groups later in the year and interested individuals are invited to join in.

The Lithgow and Districts Landcare Group meet on the fourth Sunday of each month at Lake Pillans Wetlands, from 10am-12pm for regular workdays. All tools and training are provided. Activities include weed identification, weed removal, planting, mulching, bird-watching and recording, and planting maintenance.

To get involved in Landcare activities in the district , contact Peter Evans at the HNCMA office (upstairs in the Hartley Building-corner of Mort & Eskbank Sts), or by phoning (02) 6350 3111 during business hours.

For further information for training and qualifications in Outdoor Recreation Certificates currently being offered through TAFE, contact Simone Carroll, on 6352 0478.