Photo: Landcare volunteers enjoying morning tea in the 'fig tree cafe'.

On a Tuesday morning, NQCC joined volunteers of Coastal Dry Tropics Landcare for a working bee at the slopes of Castle Hill. While we did some necessary watering and weeding, we enjoyed the view of a variety of natives thriving along the sun- bathed granite, as well as the diverse chatter of birds in the treetops. There was plenty to discover such as a bowerbird’s bower hidden in the shrubs right next to the track. With the work of the Landcare volunteers, the restoration of this beautiful hillside environment has formed homes for native wildlife like the bush turkeys, bower birds, echidnas, and wallabies.

From the Townsville City Council, Landcare gets free mulch and water access. The volunteers fill milk bottles with water, then carry them to the planting sites. To account for natural disasters, the right trees are planted in the right place to help the site become more resilient. Strong trees with big roots are planted in specific places to prevent erosion and land degradation from flooding and torrential rains, like earlier this year. A few trees were blown down in cyclone Kirrily last year, however the bush has already sprung back thanks to the efforts of Landcare.

With the tremendous work that the volunteers do, they say that “sometimes success isn’t seen straight away, but 50 years from now it will be a great forest and bushland”. They also talk of all the goat track walkers who comment on Landcare’s work and are enjoying the beauty of the regenerated bush.

Photo on the right: Milkweed - a common invasive species on the hill

Weeding helps the native plants to breathe and thrive. But there is plenty in it for humans too - it is a mindful task and working together on a common goal to make a better, greener space for everyone will strengthen the community. Plus it’s a nice workout: Lifting water jugs and balancing on rocky ground, while enjoying the outdoors. 

Looking towards the future, landcare work is increasingly compromised by the effects of climate change. Heatwaves are already a challenge for the volunteers. Also, the expansion of Landcare’s work is largely dependent on the council’s permissions to sign off sites. The Landcare volunteers also say that it would be nice to see more youth involvement. They feel that young people’s exposure and involvement with the environment is crucial not only for learning about ways of nature, but also to shape their outlook on life. Taking the initiative to care for the environment and advocate for it can give great purpose. More youth involvement will allow knowledge from the current Landcare volunteers to be passed to the younger generation, keeping the passion and importance of environmental conservation continuing.

Landcare has an optimistic face for the future. They say, “there is a growing awareness around native planting and restoration and the benefits for all of us”.

Come along to help out at the Castle Hill Landcare Site!

Where: Goat track entry from Hillside Crescent

When: Tuesday mornings at 7-9am, or first Sunday of every month from 3pm.

Check out the other Landcare sites or help in the bush garden nursery.

No previous knowledge required but a basic fitness level is recommended. Wear closed shoes and protective clothing at working bees.

Author: Astrid Kahler (Pimlico High work placement student)