Valley of the Waters Bushcare Group

10th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Picture of Valley of the Waters bushcarers

Back left: Les Coyne, Mary Coyne, Judy Lake, Dan Lucey, Janet Shields, Warwick Mosman, Kim de Govrik (NPWS A/Manager - Blue Mountains Region), Barbara Harley, Laurel Harris, Margot Turner, Norm Harris, Ruth Ley
Front left: Robin Mosman, Karen Hising, Rosemary Lathouris, Ben Correy (NPWS Ranger, Upper Mountains Area)

Valley Of The Waters Bushcare Group achieved its 10th Anniversary on 21 October 2006.

In the past, some members of the Blue Mountains Conservation Society had undertaken weeding around the Conservation Hut and along the Nature Trail on an occasional basis. However, it was Jessica Yuille who initially formed the Bushcare Group, as part of her role as Bushcare Officer with the Blue Mountains Conservation Society. Although the Bushcare Group is part of the Blue Mountains Conservation Society, we work closely with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and also with Council.

Jessica co-ordinated the Group for approximately seven years. Karen Hising has undertaken the co-ordination role for the last five years. Many other people have volunteered their time and efforts over the years and some continue to the present.

The initial problem of the site was a huge amount of Broom after fire and we still continue to remove this weed over the whole area. Agapanthus has now become the focus weed of the site, particularly in good bush areas, where it is escaping from residential properties. To counteract this problem, we are trying to connect with the local residents to reduce the impact this plant is having on the site.

As the weather conditions on the day of the anniversary were damp and cold, we held our morning tea celebration at the Mosman’s home. It was wonderful to catch up with past and present members of the Group, other Wentworth Falls Bushcare Group members, “Aggie Assaulters”, National Parks staff, as well as friends and neighbours to the site.