Smiths Gully
Landcare Group
About Us
Established in 1992, Smiths Gully Landcare is an activity based non-political, local community group whose purpose is to encourage the conservation, restoration and revegetation of the Smiths Gully catchment area.
Work is carried out by members and volunteers on both privately owned and public land in a wide range of habitats. Many members of Smiths Gully Landcare also belong to other community based groups such as CFA Fireguard, Friends & Relations of Queenstown Cemetery, management of the Willis Nature Park and the Panton Hill Bushland Reserve System, and representation on the St Andrews Hall and Reserve Advisory committee, guiding the restoration of the market site.
Smiths Gully Landcare have made the 'Peter Franke Reserve' their flagship since 1994, when they removed car bodies and other large debris from the creek. Performing extensive weed control and revegetating the embankments.
The Landcare group has carried out many projects along the Smiths Gully Creek with involvement from Scouts, CFA, conservation teams and volunteers. The reserve is now managed by Parks Victoria who are also responsible for many conservation reserves. The Smiths Gully to St Andrews Nature Trail was created in 1995 by Smiths Gully Landcare with a team of local unemployed youth funded by the Kangan Institute of TAFE. We have enjoyed assistance and grants from Melbourne Water, Shire of Nillumbik, Parks Victoria and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
Contact Details
Email: smithsgullylc@gmail.com
Our Landscape
This unique landscape within the Green Wedge in the Shire of Nillumbik forms part of the habitat link between Warrandyte State Park and the Kinglake National Park.
The area is home to many species of wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, echidnas, koalas and an abundance of birds, both large and small, from black cockatoos and tawny frogmouths to pardalotes and blue wrens.
There is an abundance of native flora including many species of orchids, a wide range of eucalyptus, acacias and understorey plants.
The flora and fauna of the catchment include many threatened species, many have been recorded as being of local, regional and even state significance.
Conserve our biodiversity
We aim to protect and enhance our environmental biodiversity of our local area by planting local plants, and removing invasive species.
Knowledge sharing
We continue to learn and share our knowledge so we may continue to grow and ready the next generation of environmentalists.
Celebrate Cultural, Historic and Biodiversity Significance
We celebrate Cultural, Historic and Biodiversity Significance.
Statement of Purpose
Smiths Gully Landcare aims to conserve Indigenous Flora and Fauna by protecting, enhancing biodiversity values and advocating the protection of our beautiful local Flora and Fauna. We strive to engender a sprit of co-operation between a diversity of land users and encourage sustainable land management practices. We will promote awareness, celebrate and protect areas of cultural, historic and biodiversity significance and embrace knowledge sharing.