Green Connect Landcare Group

Location: Wollongong

Established in 2019 to help care for a rainforest gully that runs through the Green Connect Farm.

Location
The Green Connect Farm in Warrawong, Wollongong.

History
Established in 2019 by Angela Cook and Emma Rooksby to help care for a rainforest gully that runs through the Green Connect Farm, an 11-acre urban farm that uses permaculture and organic principles to produce fruit, vegetables, herbs, eggs, honey and free-range meat. At our very first meeting we encountered some Maroonhood Orchids (Pterostylis pedunculata) growing in an old trail bike rut, and it was a very good omen for the future of the place. Since then, we have extended our work to protect an old Black Apple (Planchonella australis) growing on its own a bit away from the creek, and collaborated with staff at the Farm to support nature-based play areas for children and increase signage about our work.

Work Plan
Protect and restore the subtropical rainforest growing along the riparian zone that runs through the Farm. Remove weeds and allow natural regeneration. Expand to other areas as feasible in consultation with staff.

Worst weed!
We struggle with Peruvian Primrose (Ludwigia peruviana) in the creek, but the prize should really go to the Groundsel Bush (Baccaris halimifolia) as that’s a Weed of National Significance. We think they’re all gone now.

Favourite plant and why
Toss up between the beautiful Guoia (Guioa semiglauca) next to the bridge over the creek and the Maroonhoods (of course!).