Walka Landcare is the Hunter’s newest group and a part of Maitland Landcare Inc. The HRLN committee, staff and network members visited this month. The group have got off to a flying start with twenty-five active members, forty-six people wishing to join and strong community support for conservation of these important wetland and forest habitats. The site covers one hundred and eighteen hectares with twelve kilometres of walking trails and four major vegetation communities.
So far the group have had six working bees focused on weeding, and three shared working bees with other Landcare groups. They completed their firest planting day on 16th August. There is large turtle population which is now monitored and protected by Walka Landcare. Funds are being sought to build turtle islands to protect the turtles from foxes who predate both eggs and young.
Walka Waterworks originally supplied water to Newcastle and then became a power station in the 1950s. During this time, asbestos was used in some parts of the site. Therefore, all Landcare members must complete asbestos training as part of their induction.
Maitland City Council are assisting the group with larger weed removal tasks and there are plans to establish a Hunter Region Landcare Network nursery on site. Check out the amazing nature trails and drop by to lend a hand when you can. Keep up to date with the group’s events here.
