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Where we are
The group
The site
Project objectives
What, where & when
Contact details
Where we are
Our site runs along the south bank of Kedron
Brook near the Arana Hills Leagues Club. We started rehabilitation of
this section of the stream at the Dawson Parade Bridge and are now
working downstream from the pedestrian causeway, which is about 400
metres from the road bridge.
The Group
The Dawson Parade Bushcare
Group started in May 2001. In the planing stages, and subsequently,
personnel from the Grovely TAFE Centre have provided valuable
assistance. The Brisbane City Council "Habitat" organisation supports
our group with expert advice from council officers, materials such as
mulch and native shrubs, and the tools to achieve our goals. We are
slowly increasing our knowledge of native plants.
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The Site 
Ephemeral stream gullies collect rain water
from hills in the Samford State Forest, which coalesce at Ferny Grove,
and then wind down alongside the Keperra Golf course into a channel
behind the Arana Hills K-Mart carpark. The water table allows a near
continual, albeit small, flow in the Brook from this point.
Our working bee is endeavouring to
rehabilitate the southern creek bank and flood-plain of the stream
using the nucleus of remnant native vegetation, which includes some
superb Waterhousia floribunda (Weeping Lillypilly tree).
The site has been altered over the years
with major developments nearby and 'grey water' drainage pipes embedded
in the creek ( reports have fish and birds being caught for food by
locals in the 1930's and 1940's). Parts of the embankment consist of a
thin veneer of mulch covering concrete and rock fill.
Project objectives
Apart from a few surviving
shade trees, there was little native plant diversity and vegetative
structural complexity remaining. Physical degradation of the site has
been accompanied by weed infestations.
Using a variety of methods
the weeds are removed, the ground prepared and a selection of plant
species (as far as possible from seed collected from local plants)
replace the weeds. Replacement plants include natives that allow a food
source and a secure environment for small birds and animals.
We hope that users of the
concrete walkway / bikeway may enjoy the restored bushland and perhaps
get a feel for the rich, verdant habitat that once covered this part of
the Kedron Brook. Adjacent grass lawns provide play areas for family
outings.
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Meetings 
We meet on the second
Saturday of each month except December and January. The working bee
starts at 8 am and usually finishes up around 10 am,
although volunteers offering shorter periods of assistance are most
welcome.
The usual pattern is weeding,
planting, watering and mulching - concluded with friendly banter and a
'cuppa'.
Contact
details
Telephone Ray for further information on
3351 4625
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