Landcare volunteers visit Rileys Island

Volunteers helped maintain the natural beauty of Rileys Island as part of the unique Landcare activity held on Sunday, October 15.

The award-winning Floating Landcare program saw volunteers travel on an oyster barge to the island to help weed and regenerate the environment.

Land services officer Ms Rebecca Mooy said the program had seen more than 400 volunteers take part since it began in 2012.

"The many places we have visited during that time are showing excellent restoration progress thanks to the efforts of our volunteers," she said.

"It is a unique opportunity to experience some of our more remote local assets while giving something back."

National Parks and Wildlife Services coordinator Ms Deb Holloman said Rileys Island had plenty to offer.

"Most of the Island's 45 hectares are identified as significant coastal wetlands including coastal saltmarsh, one of three endangered ecological communities found on the Island," Ms Holloman said.

"Our focus on managing the weeds helps protect these wetlands that are so important to the estuarine food web," she said.

The island is habitat for the white bellied sea eagle nesting and a number of wader birds.

"The support of local volunteers is absolutely critical to our work in National Parks plus it's an amazing social event, where new friendships are formed," she said.

SOURCE:

Media release, 12 Oct 2017

Nikki McGrath, Greater Sydney Local Land Services