Planting hundreds of native species revives saltmarsh in Styles Point
A group of 36 passionate individuals from Lake Macquarie, spanning across different ages, gathered at Styles Point, Lake Macquarie NSW earlier this month on a serene Sunday morning.
Their mission? To revive a section of degraded saltmarsh by planting a staggering 850 natives.
This remarkable endeavour was made possible through the combined efforts of dedicated volunteers from the OzFish Lake Macquarie Chapter, Rathmines Sustainable Neighbourhood Group and the Lake Macquarie Volunteer Landcare Network.
Recognising the significance of this project, Hunter Local Land Services provided the funding while the Lake Macquarie City Council played a crucial role in preparing the site. Their efforts involved the removal of invasive buffalo grass, ensuring the newly planted native species would have the best chance of flourishing.
The Rathmines Sustainable Neighbourhood Group also made valuable contributions by mulching the area ahead of the event. They’ll continue to nurture and care for these plantings in the coming months to ensure they survive through winter.
Saltmarsh is a habitat that demands our immediate attention and conservation effort. The event at Styles Point is a testament to the collective commitment of the Lake Mac community to revive and protect this valuable ecosystem wherever it exists.
Saltmarshes are critical to the health of aquatic food webs, providing essential habitats for numerous species. It is estimated 70 per cent of all recreationally targeted saltwater fish species rely on saltmarsh at some stage of their life cycle. By restoring and preserving these coastal habitats, we ensure the sustainability of our fish populations.
The event at Styles Point is only part of an ongoing initiative. Thanks to the continued support from Hunter Local Land Services, part two of the project is set to take place soon. This phase will focus on a rubbish clean-up along the foreshore. This upcoming event will see clean-up kits distributed to members of the Sustainable Neighbourhood Alliance and the OzFish Lake Macquarie Chapter who will roll up and get their boots on the ground.
The success of the saltmarsh restoration event at Styles Point is a testament to what can be achieved when individuals and organisations unite with a shared vision. It serves as a reminder of the importance of riparian health and the role that trees and shrubs play in supporting and protecting our waterways.
As we celebrate the achievements of this inspiring event, let us reflect on the importance of our individual actions in promoting a sustainable future. By planting trees and shrubs along our waterways, we can enhance riparian health, preserve vital ecosystems, and ensure a thriving environment for our fish.
Together, let’s strive to make efforts like the saltmarsh restoration at Styles Point the norm, where our waterways flourish, and where the interconnectedness of nature is cherished and preserved.
This project was made possible by the OzFish-Landcare NSW partnership with funding support from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts, Hunter Local Land Services Small Community Grants Program, and BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing. This partnership is a great example of what like-minded organisations and people can achieve by working towards a shared goal. We’re all helping to create better habitats and better fishing.
Learn more about the Landcare NSW Partnership.
