Landcare Illawarra hosted a wonderful Nature Conservation Council NSW Picnic for Nature event at the beautiful Jerrara Wetlands and Rainforest, bringing community members together to celebrate local biodiversity, learn from experts, and enjoy this much-loved natural gem.
With perfect weather and plenty of shade beneath the magnificent rainforest canopy, attendees relaxed, explored, and connected with nature. Both the bird ID and plant ID walks were popular, with participants eager to discover the rich diversity of species found across the site. Our guides were kept busy with enthusiastic questions as people learned more about the unique birds, plants, and ecosystems that make Jerrara so special.
The Citizen Science table also drew strong interest — especially the (unexpectedly popular!) deceased Antechinus specimen. Visitors had opportunities to explore frog calls, investigate local invertebrates, and engage with Australian Pollinator Week activities.
It was great to have the community visit the site where a new Landcare group will soon begin its work. Community members are warmly invited to join and help continue the ongoing restoration of this remarkable wetland and rainforest.
Local Landcare Coordinator Merideth Hall said it was wonderful to welcome the community back to Jerrara Wetlands. A former dairy farm later requisitioned for a dam project that never went ahead. “The site naturally returned to wetland, and the birds found it again. Over recent years it’s been slowly restored into an Illawarra subtropical rainforest, with an arboretum and walking tracks added so visitors can really experience the area.”
She emphasised the importance of community involvement: “We want people to use this amazing place and show council that it’s a valued community asset.” The restoration also contributes to creating vegetation corridors from the escarpment to the coast, with keystone species such as figs helping to draw birds and support the return of natural vegetation.
Event partners and guides brought deep knowledge and passion, including the Illawarra Birders, rainforest plant experts Carl Glaister and Kevin Mills, and Alison Mellor from Invertebrates Australia, who led the Citizen Science activities. A special acknowledgement goes to Ros Neilson and the Jamberoo Valley Ratepayers and Residents Association for supporting this fantastic collaboration.
Ros reflected on the day: “It’s a precious jewel to be preserved.”
Want to get involved?
A new local Landcare group is forming to care for and continue the restoration of this unique site. If you’re interested in helping protect Jerrara Wetlands and supporting biodiversity in the Illawarra, we’d love to hear from you.
More information on this or other activities in the Illawarra region see the Landcare Illawarra website or get in touch with Meredeth Hall, Local Coordinator Landcare Illawarra [email protected].
