Caring for Avalon
People who love our bushland volunteer to join Bushcare groups, to work in various reserves. The Council provides insurance, training and supervision. Avalon’s bushland is challenged by many weeds, so the work is mostly controlling these, and occasionally planting tubestock where natural regeneration is unlikely.
For information on all the local bushcare groups please contact the person or number listed for each group, or Council’s Bushcare Officer on 02 9970 1367. There is more information on the NBC website.
Five members of the APA were witness to the release of an 8 years old female koala back into Angophora Reserve. She had been dive-bombed by 2 aggressive currawongs (protecting their nest) in a grevillea in Wandeen Road. She had been nursed back to good health by Taronga Zoo. To the left is Marita Macrae and Doug Blaydon (one of the earliest members). Photo: Geoff Searl 5 November 1989
Bushcare groups
Angophora Reserve Bushcare Group
The Angophora Reserve Bushcare Group meet on the third Sunday of the month at one of the four entrances to the reserve. Geoff posts emails to members of the group with details of the next work day 1 week ahead. It is a large group who ‘talk hard’ and work hard as well – nothing like being serenaded by a golden whistler or one of the many avian occupants of the reserve whilst you work! We meet at 8.30am and morning tea usually happens around 11. Any queries please call Geoff on 0439 292 566.
Avalon Dunes Bushcare Group
The Avalon dunes need you. The dunes look green but some of that is weeds. We meet on the first Sunday of each month, 8.30 – 11.30am near the Montessori School off Tasman Road. Contact Marita Macrae 0439 409 202.
Avalon Golf Course Volunteer Bushcare Group
The Avalon Golf Course Volunteer Bushcare Group work on the second Wednesday of the month and meet in the golf course car park at 2.30pm finishing at about 5pm for a well-deserved afternoon tea. New bush carers are very welcome and tool belts and tools will be provided along with advice where necessary. Any queries, please call Geoff on 0439 292 566.
Bangally Headland Reserve Bushcare Group
The group meet on the second Sunday of each month from 8.30 – 11.30am entering from Whale Beach Road. Contact Marita for more information on 0439 409 202.
Bangalley Planters May 2018
Careel Creek Bushcare Group
This is a long creek, so the group works at two main areas – near the tennis courts off Barrenjoey Rd and beside the dog exercise area near Etival St, where a freshwater wetland is being restored. A grant to Pittwater Natural Heritage Association from Greater Sydney Local Land Services is employing contractors to tackle the many vine weeds along whole the creek. The bushcare group meets on the fourth Saturday morning of each month from 8.30 to about 11.30. Contact Karin Nippard, Northern Beaches Council Bushland Management Officer, on 0417 040 945 to find where the group will work each month.
The Careel Creek Bushcare Group works irregularly at this area near the Barrenjoey Road corner with Etival Street, restoring a remnant freshwater wetland. A $15000 grant to Pittwater Natural Heritage Association funded this as part of its Pittwater Estuary Care grant from the Federal Government’s Community Landcare program (through Greater Sydney Local Land Services). Big coral trees and other weeds were removed, local native trees and shrubs planted and bagged to protect from rabbits. Northern Beaches Council coordinates and co-funds the project. Contract bush regenerators do the heavy work and volunteers do planting and maintenance. The Project is now completed.
Plateau Park Bushcare Group
Would you like to work beside waratahs in flower? The Plateau Park Bushcare Group meets on the first Friday morning of each month from 8.30 – 11.30am in the playground on Plateau Road Bilgola Plateau. For further information contact Ken Hughes 02 9918 9170.
Toongari Reserve Bushcare Group
The Toongari Reserve Bushcare group meets from 8.30-11.30am on the third Saturday of each month. This reserve lies between Avalon Parade and Central Road. Contact Robyn Hughes 02 9918 3931.