Join Blue Mountains Bushcare today and make a difference to tomorrow
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Bushcare is a great way to meet people, make new friends, and have fun while improving your local environment in a practical way.
Bushcare is Blue Mountains City Council’s program for the restoration of bushland reserves. We assist volunteers in looking after native bush, plant identification, fauna monitoring, weed control and seed collection.
Mayor Cr Mark Greenhill said: “Bushcare is a community of more than 400 Blue Mountains people, turning up each month, equating to 1,200 hours of environmental benefit to our future.”
There are 60 Bushcare groups across the City, ranging from Lapstone in the lower Blue Mountains to Mount Victoria in the upper Blue Mountains, and across to the basalt-topped Mount Wilson.
Under the guidance of a Bushcare Officer, groups remove weeds in a way that helps give native plants the space and opportunity to thrive. There are a wide range of meeting times and days to suit everyone.
“There are many benefits of being involved in Bushcare,” Cr Greenhill said. “It’s a great way to meet people in your local area, to learn about plants and animals and to develop bush regeneration skills you can use in your own backyard.”
“Our Bushcare Officers provide training to volunteers in bush regeneration techniques and safety. We also provide the necessary tools and other equipment for Bushcare groups working on Council land.”
Bushcare Officers provide training for all skills levels, with activities tailored to suit your abilities.
“By working together in our community we can achieve outcomes that have enormous benefits to the environment. By joining Bushcare today, you can make a real and positive difference to the future of our unique Blue Mountains wilderness.”
Blue Mountains Bushcare Program has its origins in the activities of early Bushcare groups such as Friends of Katoomba Falls Creek Valley, Fairy Dell Restoration Committee, Minnehaha Falls Landcare Group, Glenbrook Lagoon Society and Pope’s Glen Bushcare Group. These groups started in the late 1980s. In response to their activities, Council decided in 1992 to fund a position to coordinate the activities. Since then the number of groups, participants and Bushcare Officers, has steadily increased.
No previous experience is necessary for Bushcare, just enthusiasm! The program is family-friendly so bring your kids, friends or even a neighbour to join in. You’ll need a hat, water and suitable clothing and sturdy shoes. Go to bmcc.nsw.gov.au/bushcare for more information.
Photos: Mayor Mark Greenhill presents Bushcare volunteer Lachlan Garland with the “Golden Trowel – Legend of the Year” award at the 2019 Bushcare Annual Picnic. Also pictured is Council’s Community Conservation Officer Linda Thomas.