Kanmantoo-Callington Landcare group named South Australia’s best
The Landcare Association of South Australia has recognised the group at its annual awards for 2021.
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A local Landcare group has been recognised as the best in South Australia.
Kanmantoo Callington Landcare took out the honour at the annual SA Landcare Awards, which were presented at a ceremony at the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre in Adelaide last Thursday night.
Since 1994, the group has transformed natural spaces throughout the Bremer Valley, organising tree plantings, establishing gardens and walking trails, and lobbying for the environment.
Its latest big project has involved giving out free trees, tree guards and information to dozens of landowners along the Bremer River, both farmers and tree-changers.
Group member Paul Johnston hoped the “greening the Bremer” project would lead to a longer-term effort to create habitat for native plants, birds and animals along the river that runs through the heart of Callington.
“We thought the Bremer would be a good hook to get people in,” he said.
“We focused on the landowners who own property along the Bremer and its waterways ... and have got about 20 properties and 40 property owners interested.
“It just gives landowners a bit of extra encouragement to get involved.”
The Landcare group’s biggest annual event is a community planting day which usually takes place on the first Sunday in June.
It has also been key to efforts to establish a new park on Steele Road at Callington, create the Bremer Boot Trail behind the town’s memorial hall, and protect Monarto's woodlands.
The award will give the group $1000 to play with, and it will be invited to send a representative to the national Landcare awards later in the year.
Landcare Association of South Australia executive officer Eleanor Pratt said it was exciting to see how many projects were being delivered by similar groups around the state.
“Our community is working so hard to care for our environment and promote more sustainable land management strategies, and it is wonderful to be able to recognise and celebrate their achievements,” she said.
A second award winner with local ties was recognised on the night, too.
Ngarrindjeri man Mark Koolmatrie won an Indigenous land management award for his work at swamps on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
- More information: landcaresa.asn.au/2021-award-winners.
- Read more: Join in ... with the Kanmantoo-Callington Landcare group
