Hello Colleen.

This planting site has been slowly improving every year with persistent re-visiting and weed eradication.  Intact grassy ground cover and appropriate over-storey plants have finally gained a foot hold and now out compete the nasty Spiny Rush, Fennel, and Boxthorn. The site has been beautified with the improved biodiversity. The local community has gained an appreciation of the values and importance of this site as an interface between the Coastal Saltmarsh and Swan Bay Ramsar Wetland.  This project and site is testament to what can be achieved with community spirit and a persistent approach to weed control and land restoration.

Matt Crawley. Program Manager. Bellarine Catchment Network and Bellarine Landcare Group [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”]

Of the 400 plants that were planted at Swan Bay by the Ballarine Catchment Group, 100 were paid for by William Sheahan Funerals of Drysdale. Sue and Bill Sheahan wanted to have one tree planted in memory of each funeral service conducted over the year. A lovely sentiment and one that also greatly supports the local environmental groups of the area.

I have very fond memories of Swan Bay. Back in 1982, when I was studying Environmental Science at Melbourne State College, we had a 3 day field trip to Swan Bay and camped on the foreshore. During the days and (long) nights, on the hour every hour, we arose from our tents (and our interminable card games) and waded out into the black water to take depth measurements. Still a little unsure of what we were actually trying to discover – water rises at high tide?

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Nice to know that 30 years later, this  wetland area is still being protected and cherished by the local community. Slainte – Colleen[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]