17.5.2013 | River Repair on track
The monster erosion hole in the south bank of Gawler River absorbed 1300 tonnes of earth, 300 tonnes of rock beaching and has been successfully revegetated with 2600 plants of some 20 locally indigenous species, arrayed up the bank according to their floodability and drought hardiness.
Huge thanks to everyone who came out to help at short notice for the river repair day and subsequent working bee. Pictured at the working bee are Rob Knight Convenor of the Gawler River Riparian Restoration Group, Emily Griffiths Coordinator of the Gawler Regional Natural Resource Centre and Food Forest students Giuliano Della Riva (Italy) and Sarwa Harcha (Chile).
Our plan for this river restoration can be seen here...
Ecodynamic plants donated
The bulk of the plants used in the erosion repair were donated by local nursery Ecodynamics through Operations Manager Ashley Spain who undertook the PDC in 2010.
The nursery propagates a wide range of locally indigenous species and was uniquely placed to provide plants that could cope with both inundation and drought. Ashley said the company was delighted to be able to help with the restoration of the river system
Pictured to the left are Ashley Spain with Food Forest WWOOFER Giuliano Della Riva at the Ecodynamics nursery.
Parliament hears about river restoration
The SA Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation & Minister for Water Ian Hunter recently made a speech about activities in which the Food Forest and its supporters have played a central part. In a wide-ranging address he congratulated our local community group, Gawler River Riparian Restoration (GRRR) on its coordinating role and its contribution to the restoration of an important natural resource. He complimented its production of the film 'Repairing our Rivers' and applauded the seamless collaboration between GRRR, the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board, local councils, Gawler Environment and Heritage Association, and SA Water.
The full text of Minister Hunter’s speech can be seen here...
