Event Type
Landcare Region
BCT Region
Do you have a farm dam on your property?
The workshop will build skills and knowledge for farm managers to increase the sustainability of farms by maximising the biodiversity benefits of on-farm dams with a practical focus on issues such as: reintroducing native plants to farm dams; tackling invasive species in farm dams; and using farm dams to support native fauna in periods of drought.
These measures will also enhance habitat with suitable plantings and methods to improve access and reduce erosion around dams.
Our presenter for the day is Jeff Harbrow, of Whipbird Environmental who has been helping local farmers re-naturalise dams in the Kiama LGA.
We'll meet at Foxground Fireshed at 9.45 am on Saturday 4th May for a morning of theory before visiting a successful dam rehabilitation project. The afternoon will involve a practical session to establish suitable plantings at a farm dam at a Biodiversity Conservation Trust property nearby.
This event is suitable for adults and children over the age of 12. Please contact us if you have any inquiries about accessibility. This event is free but you must register to attend.
Tools will be available, but please wear protective clothing: long pants, long sleeves, a hat, enclosed shoes and gloves.
Lunch and morning tea will be provided. Please inform us if you have any special dietary requirements
Organiser: Alison Windsor
Landcare Illawarra
0423512407
Event Topics
Event Outcomes
Growth in learning measure (Scale 1 - 100)
The South East Landcare Website has a great event wrap up
It was a beautiful day in Foxground, where Landcare Illawarra hosted its much-anticipated Farm Dam Workshop. We started our morning at the Foxground Fire Station, where twenty passionate attendees, ranging from Sydney to Milton, gathered to learn about restoring farm dams to enhance biodiversity and slow water runoff. The day was filled with insightful presentations, hands-on activities, and meaningful conversations about sustainable land management.
The workshop began with an informative presentations from Jodie Brown (Biodiversity Conservation Trust) and Jeff Harbrow (Whipbird Educational) which set the tone for the day. We explored the crucial role farm dams play in our ecosystems and how restoring them can significantly impact water quality, soil health, and biodiversity. One of the highlights of the presentation was a restored dam in Foxground, which illustrated the positive changes that could be achieved in less than two years. This example gave everyone a clear vision of what is possible when we commit to land restoration.
After the presentation, we took a break to enjoy a lovely lunch of gourmet sandwiches and sweets. It was a perfect opportunity to mingle, share stories, and discuss ideas, all while enjoying the picturesque surroundings.
After the briefing, it was time to get our hands dirty! We proceeded to plant the grasses and trees around the dam. The hands-on experience was both educational and rewarding, giving everyone a sense of contribution to the property’s ecological health.
To wrap up the day, the property owners, Phil and Carolyn, were presented with a selection of grasses and trees by Emma Rooksby, the chair of Illawarra Landcare. This gesture was a token of appreciation for their hospitality and dedication to land restoration.
The Farm Dam Workshop was a success, bringing together individuals who share a common goal of improving our environment. It was a day filled with learning, connection, and hands-on conservation work. Through initiatives like this, we can make meaningful strides towards a more sustainable future, one farm dam at a time.
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This day showcased the power of community action in environmental stewardship. It reminded us that each effort, no matter how small, plays a part in restoring the balance of our natural ecosystems. We look forward to more workshops like this, where we can continue to learn, share, and grow together for the betterment of our environment.
You may also like . . .
>> Riparian Restoration and Waterwatch Webinar with Lori Gould and Jed Pearson from the Australian River Restoration Centre
>> Adding Complexity to Restoration Sites Webinar with Beth Mott and Jedda Lemmon, Biodiversity Conservation Trust
Some feedback
- Attended by a broad group of people to meet and network with.
Conservation agreement explainer would be handy