The project aims to regenerate the habitat value of the creek that runs through the town of Elphinstone, creating an outdoor space where the community can gather on hot days.
The project seeks to extend the coolness of an old tunnel where the creek passes under the rail track and spills out into a gully. The idea is to transform this space through weed management, planting over-story species and using water as a cooling measure.
Through local working bees the project will encourage the community to develop a reciprocal relationship of care with the creek; a refugia for people, plants and animals.
In consultation with an ecologist, a project aim is to test and document weed management strategies to deal with infestations of blackberry and gorse along the creek. Through gathering temperature data across the site during heatwaves and days of extreme heat, we also hope to reveal impacts on heat and cooling through our work in managing the vegetation.
ZNET: emission avoidance and drawdown
- Carbon drawdown through creating biodiverse habitat in urban areas
- Collecting data on carbon stored in local soil and vegetation
ADAPT: people, places and sectors are climate ready
- Creating cool places for the community to gather during heat waves
- Working towards healthier more resilience and biodiverse landscapes better able to withstand climate impacts.
- Collecting data on the impacts of heatwaves on local vegetation
REGENERATIVE CULTURE: embrace caring for Country and Community, working creatively and a just society
- Connecting the community with local waterways and valuing natural assets