INSPIRING change by connecting people with nature, Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) has partnered with the Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources to help protect significant coastal habitat and wildlife across the South East.
Between five and nine Conservation Volunteers contribute to the Lake Bonney Biodiversity Boost project each week, part of the Limestone Coast and Coorong Action Plan.
Volunteers have planted around 200 local species along the edge of Lake Bonney, while 20,000 seedlings have been planted over the last three years as part of the larger Limestone Coastwatchers project.
Team leader Katrina Jones said Conservation Volunteers welcomed anyone who shared a love of the outdoors and commitment to conserving the environment.
“Our programs are designed for fit, healthy and independent adults, while children between seven and 15 years old require extra supervision from a parent or teacher,” Ms Jones said.
“We welcome volunteers with or without experience – training for each project will be provided on the day and experienced volunteers will often act as mentors and guide other volunteers.”
Ms Jones said CVA had opportunities to volunteer weekly, with transport by bus to and from the project site.
“Teams of up to nine volunteers are accompanied by a team leader who will explain the project aims,” she said.
“Typical activities on projects include restoring and improving habitats, planting trees, building and maintaining tracks and trails, collecting native seeds and flora and fauna surveys.
“Projects depart from the GTE building car park on Commercial Street West at 8am and return at around 4pm.”
CVA partners with regional councils, national parks, conservation departments, schools and land care groups to manage projects.
“Our aim is to engage the community and make it easy for people to get involved and contribute to conservation efforts,” Ms Jones said.
“At the moment we are seeking volunteers to do something a little different and help run a free community service.
“We are looking at running ghost mushroom tours for people who might not have access to transport – we will meet at the GTE car park and leave just before dark for a one and a half hour round trip.
“We will depart at 5.30pm and return around 7pm, with free transport, a guided tour to see the ghost mushrooms and tea or coffee provided.”
Ongoing CVA projects include small mammal habitat maintenance at the Crater Lakes, with the next project on June 19, and another project at Lake Bonney on June 23.
Visit conservationvolunteers.com.au or call the Mount Gambier office on 0428 364 708 to find out more about South East projects or to register as a volunteer.
