After a fantastic community response to the first event, Great Lakes Council hosted its second ‘Weed, Wine and Dine’ evening, on the 20^th May.

The special event formed part of the ‘Backyard Bushcare’ program, which aims to help protect the biodiversity of the Great Lakes coastal strip through community involvement.

Across the two evenings, 99 Forster residents enjoyed a social glass of wine and heard talks from Council and National Parks (Great Lakes area) staff, as well as local Dunecare representative Janusz Haschek.

The talks covered local biodiversity, the threats posed by environmental and noxious weeds, and how managing private property can help the local ecology.

Council Environmental Officer, Helen Kemp said “One of the great outcomes of the two evenings was 52 people signing our “Bushland Friendly Garden” pledges. These local heroes have promised to look after their gardens in ways that benefit and enhance the environment.”

The community participants will work to control and remove noxious and environmental weeds, plant more native species and refrain from dumping garden waste in bushland.

“Keep an eye out for the Bushland Friendly Garden stickers around town. We want more active members of the community to sign the pledge”, said Ms Kemp.

Amongst lots of great positive feedback on the two evenings, some comments from attendees included:

“Informative, motivational. Great to hear of a positive action plan.”

“Informative, interesting and thought provoking”

“I learnt a lot about weeds and now feel inspired to make a difference”

The Backyard Bushcare Program is part of a larger federal grant funded project jointly managed between Great Lakes Council and the local National Parks and Wildlife Service to help protect the biodiversity of the Great Lakes coastal strip. This program provides a number of ways to get involved and learn about weed issues, make a difference in your local environment, as well as making your own garden more beautiful and wildlife-friendly. For more information, contact Great Lakes Council.

To subscribe to the monthly Weed Bulletin emails, or the occasional Backyard Bushcare update emails,the public can contact helen.kemp@greatlakes.nsw.gov.au