How we do it

Because JARR seeks to involve and engage community in all that we do, we place great importance on developing community involvement through workshops and educational opportunities. We develop resources to engage and educate the general public and provide incentives for participation in on-ground works - the most popular of which is FOOD. We also encourage and support the community to undertake their own activities.

Workshops, field days and events are held regularly to allow people to meet together and learn from each other and special guest speakers. Some of these events are organised as part of project funding and others are done by Landcare groups and passionate individuals.

Topics have included: The Strzelecki Koala; Lichens, Mosses and Liverworts; The role of wetlands in Migratory Bird habitat; Weed identification and control; Erosion control;  Effluent management for healthier waterways ; Seagrass Biodiversity; Bird identification; Exploring tidal mud flats and wetlands; Land for Wildlife and conservation of property through Trust for Nature.

The Wonyip Landcare Group  and the Binginwarri group held a bush walk and BBQ that explored the Strzelecki Ranges and then talked about the process of covenanting land for the protection of the environment. 

The Binginwarri Landcare group hold regular 'Walk, Talk and Gawk' days when whoever is interested wanders through a bit of forest, a farm or an interesting landscape and those with particular knowledge of the destination inform the others of the features.

The Binginwarri Landcare Group are establishing the Binginwarri Biodiversity Database. They use their field walks to monitor and record what they see and then match it to EVCs and known fauna listings for that area. It is remarkable what they are finding that does not fit into the EVC determined by the DEPI.

The JARR area contains within it a fascinating array of landholders from descendants of first settlers to the newly 'tree-changed'. It is this range of diversity that gives substance to the JARR project goals.

Landholder Stories
David MacAulay - The Dairy Farmer from Stacey's Bridge
Rob and Jenny Davies - Wetland Paradise
Bob and Angie - A Permaculture inspiration
The Webb Clan - Remnant forest on the agenda

Our volunteers

Our Volunteers provide critical input into the success of the JARR Project. Their in-kind contributions often equal or outstrip the funding received.

They contribute tirelessly to much more than planting trees.

Here is a list of the type of volunteer contributions that have been given:

• Assisting with future planning;
• Developing applications for funding;
• Keeping photographic records of change;
• Bird monitoring;
• Developing a biodiversity database;
• Researching, designing and producing the JARR flora/fauna brochures;
• Creating this web site;
• Educating new landcare members on anything from how to plant a tree to what to plant if revegetating;
• Liaising with other community members to get them on board with the JARR concept;
• Developing projects on their land that will assist in the ultimate goals of biodiversity and a clean and healthy river system;
• Conducting a wide range of educational outings into the JARR area;
• Being part of the JARR committee;
• Contributing to land management practices such as weed control, fencing and revegetation;
• Setting aside land for permanent protection through covenants.

If not for the volunteers many of these tasks would never be started, let alone finished.