Healthy Cities in Action: Volunteers Restore Marri Badoo Reserve

On Saturday, 23 May, around 40 volunteers joined the Greater Sydney Landcare team for a community planting day at Marri Badoo Reserve. Volunteers included members of the Landing Light Volunteer Group, representatives from the local Bushcare group, and several local residents, including families with young children. 

Despite sporadic rain and muddy conditions, volunteers arrived prepared with raincoats and gumboots, demonstrating their commitment to rehabilitate natural ecosystems. The native plants used for the project were supplied by a local Parramatta nursery.  

Greater Sydney Landcare staff demonstrated planting techniques, including the benefits of planting groups of groundcover species together to maximise establishment success and improve outcomes. 

Volunteers planted across the reserve’s slopes and along the creek line, helping to restore the riparian corridor. Volunteers observed a variety of spider species, learned about the brush turkey nest located within the reserve, and discussed the long-finned eels that Greater Sydney Landcare staff had spotted in the creek the previous day. 

Following a well-earned lunch of sandwiches, volunteers helped water in the newly planted seedlings, ensuring they had the best possible start. The day was a fantastic example of community members coming together to create healthier urban environments. 

The project contributes to the ecological integrity of the surrounding landscape, which includes nearby remnants of Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest, listed as a Critically Endangered Ecological Community under NSW legislation. By restoring habitat quality and connectivity, these restoration efforts support the long-term survival of native species.  

Healthy Cities Program

This planting event marked the final stage of the Healthy Cities Landcare Grants Program—an initiative proudly supported by Bupa and Landcare Australia, in partnership with City of Parramatta and Greater Sydney Landcare. The broader project to regenerate bushland has successfully planted 10,000 native trees, shrubs, grasses, and groundcovers along The Ponds and Subiaco Creek catchment.  

Join Parramatta’s Bushcare Program 

If you would like to contribute to environmental efforts in the Parramatta area, you can volunteer to become a Parramatta City Council Bushcare volunteer and regenerate bushland. No experience is necessary as training is provided.