Dunes planted with 2000 new plants
The dunes at Umina Beach have benefited from the planting on April 21 of 2000 local native species, including coastal wattle, pig face, lomandra, scaevola, banksias, pelargonium and tea trees.
The plants, supplied to the Umina Community Group through Central Coast Council's landcare program, resembles the typical eco systems found originally along the beach, according to community group director Mr Tony Winch.
"The mix helps to support and encourage the local animal and birds, as well as assist in protecting the beach from coastal erosion.
"The plants have all been grown in Council's nursery at Erina, with local provenance seeds and cutting material," he said.
The group's dunecare volunteers had the guidance of team leaders from Central Coast Council in selecting the plants, planting locations and planting methods.
Mr Winch said the plants came from a donation of 10,000 plants to the Council by the Greater Bank, to celebrate its 75th birthday.
"We had a large team of Greater Bank employees rolling up their sleeves and planting out the dunes," he said.
"It was an awesome way for the bank to give back to our community."
Mr Winch said Umina Dunecare volunteers would continue the watering and maintenance of the plants as part of their regular Dunecare program.
"New volunteers are always welcome," he said.
"Central Coast Council provides all the tools we need for our sessions and an experienced supervisor to lead the work.
"If people would like to become involved you can contact us or come along to a session."
The program in Umina runs every Wednesday morning 9am-11am along the beach.
Meeting points are at Ocean Beach Road on the first Wednesday of the month, at Berith St (second Wednesday), at South St (third and fourth Wednesdays)
For more details, email contacts@UminaCommunityGroup.
SOURCE:
Media release, 26 Apr 2021
Alison Winch, Umina Community Group