Friends of Parks grants support flock of environmental volunteers
Protecting habitats for native animals, bushfire recovery work and reducing the spread of invasive weeds are among the projects to benefit from $175,000 in funding to support environmental volunteers.
The latest round of the state government’s Friends of Parks Small Grants Program will help fund 41 nature-based projects across South Australia.
The grants of up to $5000 each will support community efforts to:
- Expand the population of Shark Bay bandicoots in the Arid Recovery Reserve, north of Olympic Dam.
- Restore habitat for Southern Emu-wrens in the Mount Lofty Ranges.
- Improve native habitat along the Carro and First Creek catchments in Cleland National Park.
- Restore bushfire affected areas of Charleston Conservation Park in the Adelaide Hills.
- Manage weeds in Lincoln National Park on Eyre Peninsula.
- Reinstate fencing at Wara Wayingga Tennyson Dunes Conservation Reserve.
The grants are part of a four-year, $3 million state government funding commitment to support Friends of Parks programs.
Department for Environment and Water Community and Nature Partnership Director Mary-Anne Healy said the work of dedicated volunteers made a positive contribution to maintaining and improving South Australia’s parks and reserves.
“We are very fortunate to have so many hardworking volunteers who are passionate about improving biodiversity across our state,” she said.
“They give up their time and roll up their sleeves to protect our valuable flora and fauna, which makes visiting our wonderful parks and reserves a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
“These grants ensure their work can continue and we are delighted to support the amazing work of our volunteers.”
Friends of Parks President Duncan MacKenzie said the grants provided vital support to grassroots environmental projects.
“Our volunteers love playing a key role in improving our natural environment and these grants help make that work possible,” he said.
“We welcome the funding support from the state government because we know partnerships like this build stronger communities and help people connect with nature.”
The grants are available to South Australia’s 143 Friends of Parks groups.
For more information on SA's Friends of Parks groups and how to join, visit friendsofparkssa.org.au
