Two awarded Arboretum life membership
The woman who has established the Pearl Beach Koala and Native Bee Group and a man who for six years co-ordinated volunteers to establish a wildlife corridor have both been awarded life membership of the Crommelin Native Arboretum at Pearl Beach.
Arboretum president Ms Victoria Crawford presented Ms Ann Parsons and Mr David George with their awards at the arboretum association's annual meeting on Sunday, October 17.
Ms Parsons joined the management committee in 2010, became secretary in 2015 and remained so until September 2019, when she took on the position of vice-president.
"As soon as Ann joined the committee, she set about researching the plants in the Arboretum and increasing her knowledge, particularly local threatened species," said arboretum secretary Ms Mary Knaggs.
"Ann has worked extensively with ecologist Mr Robert Payne to maintain the spreadsheet of plants and their location.
"One of Ann's early achievements was the establishment of the flowering shrub area which is a haven for small birds.
"More recently Ann has been instrumental in obtaining a grant from the Commonwealth Government to initiate research into the feasibility of re-introducing koalas into the Pearl Beach Area - a project that is still ongoing, with other stakeholders including the University of Sydney and Central Coast Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
"The grant also allowed the arboretum to provide habitat support for both koalas and native bees.
"Ann was also instrumental in obtaining Commonwealth funding to rebuild the arboretum's propagation area.
"Throughout her involvement with the arboretum, Ann has participated enthusiastically in working bees, arranged guest speakers, managed anniversary functions, encouraged others to join and promoted the arboretum."
Mr George was treasurer from 2002 until 2005 and served on the committee from 2010 until 2012.
"David's greatest achievement was coordinating volunteers known as the ABC (Arbo Boys Club) who met Tuesdays and Thursdays every week to help establish the Wildlife Corridor," said Ms Knaggs.
"David was the leader of this group six years.
"David was on the wildlife corridor funding and fundraising subcommittee.
"He purchased plants for the wildlife corridor which were recorded in the day book by name, quantity and location planted making it easy to create a plant database.
"Although David has retired from the committee, he still maintains an interest in the arboretum."
SOURCE:
Media release, 20 Oct 2021
Mary Knaggs, Pearl Beach Arboretum
Photo: Pearl Beach Arboretum