In with the red and out with the blue
By Katie Loughran 14 March 2024
Nature Glenelg Trust has been working with a team of ecologists, volunteers and school children on a restoration project to return an old blue gum plantation to its natural state.
Walker Swamp, nestled in a picturesque landscape of south-west Victoria, once thrived as a vibrant wetland sanctuary. Platypus played in its waters, native frogs serenaded the surroundings, and a colourful array of waterbirds painted the skies. However, the arrival of Tasmanian blue gums muddled this natural beauty, disrupting the delicate balance of its ecosystem.
For over two centuries, Walker Swamp endured a tumultuous history, facing flooding, agricultural drainage, and the intrusion of blue gum plantations aimed at timber harvesting. Yet, hope flickers as Nature Glenelg Trust, a compassionate not-for-profit organisation, is stepping in to restore its former glory.
In a revitalising endeavor, Nature Glenelg Trust embarked on the arduous task of removing the invasive blue gums and replacing them with indigenous red gums and other native plant species. Led by dedicated ecologists such as Greg Kerr, the restoration effort aims not just to revive the swamp but also to recreate its intricate biodiversity.
"The blue gums were grown as a crop, devoid of the rich tapestry of species found in a natural habitat," NGT senior ecologist Greg Kerr told ABC news. "We aim to reintroduce that complexity, providing a home for a diverse range of flora and fauna."
Indeed, the transformation is a testament to the power of community and collaboration. Volunteers, including enthusiastic school children, eagerly join hands with Nature Glenelg Trust; planting trees, designing walking tracks, and immersing themselves in the wonders of Walker Swamp. Lisa McIntyre, the community coordinator, beams with pride as she recounts the bonds formed during the project.
"These children, from different walks of life, come together to learn, grow, and create something beautiful."
The restoration of Walker Swamp not only heals the land but also educates us on the diverse wonders of the eucalypt family. The red gums and blue gums are just two threads in a rich tapestry of almost a thousand eucalypt varieties. Each variety, with its unique characteristics, adds to the enchanting mosaic of Australian flora. In addition to their current Walker Swamp project, Nature Glenelg Trust has worked with Planet Ark’s National Tree Day since 2017 on 13 separate restoration events. Traversing between Mount Gambier, Frances and Mount McIntyre, Nature Glenelg Trust’s work can hardly go unnoticed. Restoration of native fauna has aided species like the southern brown bandicoot and some slightly louder feathered friends such as the red-tailed black cockatoos.
As we now witness the transformation of Walker Swamp, you can see not only the warmth of community, but the resilience of nature and the boundless possibilities of restoration projects across Australia.
Katie has a broad experience in non-profit program management and communications. Outside of work, she finds joy in gardening, cooking, and hiking. With a passion for animals and environmental conservation, she often spends her weekends volunteering at her local dog shelter and participating in beach clean-ups. Katie's goal is to see 30 million trees planted for National Tree Day.
