Drouin reserve enhanced
Cold and rainy weather on May 20 did little to deter families and community members from taking part in a planting day at Golden Whistler Reserve, Drouin.
More than 100 people attended, including enthusiastic children keen to help with the planting effort.
Holes were dug throughout the reserve before plants were carefully removed from their tube containers and planted. Volunteers also worked on assembling plant guards and hammering in stakes for the newly planted flora.
Baw Baw Shire’s natural environment team became aware of grants available to properties adjacent to Department of Transport-owned land and approached Friends of Drouin’s Trees, encouraging them to apply for a grant for Golden Whistler Reserve. Two years later, the group has transformed the area and their work culminated in the community planting day.
Friends of Drouin’s Trees co-ordinator Judy Farmer said the day was a celebration of the hard work and successful collaboration. “It would be true to say we have had some challenges along the way, but the outcome today is marvellous and testament to collaboration and working together,” she said.
The 1000 native trees, plants and shrubs planted in the reserve should see improvement in the habitat for plant and animal life found in the reserve which include Eastern Rosellas, Rainbow Lorikeets, Ring Tailed Possums and Krefft’s Gliders as well as number of other species.
As well as the planting, Friends of Drouin’s Trees allocated funds to remove weeds and to design and install interpretive signage and bench seats. The group also installed 12 thermal nest boxes, will complete bi-annual bird surveys and protect fragile plant species.
The initial vision for the reserve was formed years earlier by Green Corps project manager Jeff Marriott. Green Corps is an Australian Government funded voluntary program for young Australians to receive accredited training in a range of skills such as bush regeneration and habitat protection.
In 2004 Jeff identified the site as the perfect location for young trainees interested in preserving the environment to work and learn in. The team spent five days working to complete a walking path through the reserve that allowed visitors to enjoy a wildlife experience on the edge of town. Almost 20 years on, Jeff and members of his team were on hand to help celebrate the project and see their vision come to life.
Mayor Annemarie McCabe paid tribute to the effort and collaboration between the groups and council. “We are proud to continue our ongoing partnership with the Friends of Drouin’s Trees, who have given so much to protect our environment and educate our community. They are a shining example of what we can achieve when council and community work together,” he said.
Cr Michael Leaney acknowledged everyone who made the project a reality and encouraged the community to visit the reserve, learn about the flora and fauna of the place and enjoy the efforts and dedication of the people who graciously volunteered their time here over many years.
The name ‘Golden Whistler Reserve’ was submitted to council’s Place Names Advisory Committee and unanimously endorsed by council in October 2022.
For more information about Friends of Drouin’s Trees contact the group by emailing friendsofdrouinstrees@gmail.com