Microsoft volunteers recently joined Greater Sydney Landcare at Nurragingy Nature Reserve for another impactful day of environmental restoration, continuing a valued partnership that has supported local communities and ecosystems across Greater Sydney for the past three years. Through hands-on action on the ground, Microsoft has played an important role in helping improve habitat quality while fostering stronger connections with the natural environment.
This volunteer day focused on secondary restoration work within previously cleared bushland areas. While primary restoration removes large infestations of invasive weeds, secondary maintenance is equally important for the long-term success and environmental longevity of restoration projects. Ongoing follow-up work helps prevent weeds from re-establishing, supports native vegetation recovery, and allows restored ecosystems to become more resilient over time.
During the day, volunteers removed approximately 10 cubic metres of Balloon Vine, an aggressive environmental weed which was smothering native shrub species including Acacia decurrens and Bursaria spinosa. The team approached the task with enthusiasm, determination, and curiosity throughout the day.
Greater Sydney Landcare Corporate Engagement Manager, Sabina Roe, was impressed by the group’s willingness to learn and engage with the environment around them. While working alongside volunteers, the team shared conversations about local ecology, bushland restoration, and wildlife found within the reserve.
One particularly memorable discussion emerged around spiders. A volunteer shared their fear of spiders, prompting conversations with Local Landcare Coordinator Vanessa Gimellaro about the fascinating behaviours and ecological importance of these often misunderstood creatures. Through storytelling and discussion, the interaction offered a new perspective and highlighted how environmental volunteering can help people feel more connected and grounded in nature.
After a well-earned BBQ lunch cooked by one of the Microsoft volunteers, the group explored the world of waterbugs and their role as indicators of waterway health. Armed with sweep nets, volunteers investigated the aquatic ecosystems within the reserve and discovered Dragonfly nymphs, water mites, and Caddisfly larvae — all important indicators of ecosystem condition and water quality.
Days like this demonstrate the value of corporate volunteering not only in supporting practical environmental outcomes, but also in creating meaningful opportunities for people to connect with nature, each other, and the long-term future of our local bushland and waterways.
Greater Sydney Landcare thanks Microsoft for their ongoing commitment to environmental conservation in Greater Sydney. Together, we are seeing real results from the ongoing care of Nurragingy Reserve.
Join Blacktown’s Bushcare Program
If you’d like to contribute to environmental efforts in the Blacktown area, you can volunteer to become a Blacktown City Council Bushcare volunteer, and regenerate bushland. No experience is necessary as training is provided.
Come Corporate Volunteering with Greater Sydney Landcare
Greater Sydney Landcare has hosted dozens of companies for Corporate Volunteering days to restore Greater Sydney’s environment. Will yours be next? Download our Corporate Volunteering Info Pack for more info.
