Gawler Rivers project. A final community walk to look at plans for Stage 2 of the Gawler Rivers Project will occur on Sunday 8 May. The walk will start at 1.30 pm at Apex Park Julian Terrace and will move along the South Para to the river junction and then along the North Para to the Caravan Park before returning to Apex Park about 3 pm.
Approval has been given for restoration of the large waterhole which used to be a feature of Dead Man’s Pass. Work will be slowed down by the continuing flows in the South Para and the silt removed will need to be dried out for several months before being spread in an area where previous sand mining has lowered the usual level of the river flats. Work is also continuing on signage for the river walk and collection of information about aspects of the history and significance of the rivers. Further information is available from Rachel Yacoumis on 0407 775 868.
NRM volunteers walk and talk. Dead Man’s Pass will also be the site for the northern NRM volunteer activity for 2011. The event on Saturday May 14 from 9.30 am will feature guided walks by Gawler Environment and Heritage Association and Gawler Regional Natural Resource Centre volunteers around Dead Man’s Pass featuring the history and conservation significance of the area. The event includes a catered lunch and short talks on regional environment activities. Book in at the Gawler NRM office on 8523 7700 or email geha1@bigpond.com
History Festival History Week has grown to a May month long “About Time” festival with over 500 events around the State. Gawler has 9 activities and events during which provide a range of opportunities for discovering local history. The program for the month can be accessed on the “abouttime” website and is well worth a good look. Local libraries also have information available. Gawler is particularly celebrating the 150th anniversary of the McKinlay expedition which left Willaston/Gawler in 1861 to search for the lost Burke and Wills explorers. See later for some Festival event details.
Carbon – money growing on trees? GEHA presents a workshop explaining opportunities for storing carbon through revegetation projects on local farms and small rural properties will be held in Gawler on Wednesday May 11 at 7.30 pm. Guest speaker Leonard Cohen from the Canopy organisation is a leading expert in South Australia on carbon storage through revegetation and on the costs and benefits of contracts for carbon storage which can produce income for landholders. Results will also be provided for the project to measure carbon storage in local remnant vegetation. The venue for this event is the CWA Hall at 29 Tod St Gawler – about 250 metres west of the Reid St/Tod St roundabout. There will be tea, coffee and a light supper – we would appreciate advice of likely attendance to plan for supper. Ring Adrian or Sue on 85224363 for more information, for pre-workshop documents and to book in.
Para Woodland planting. Saturday June 18 will see a major planting day at the Para Woodland reserve. This year will see major planting of grassland species as well as the rarely seen free lunch. Details and form to RSVP is available on the “milliontrees” website.
