On the 9th of March, Greater Sydney Landcare welcomed a small but dedicated team of volunteers from Man Investments for a rewarding day of environmental volunteering at Boronia Park. With six volunteers joining us on a warm and slightly humid day, the group spent their time restoring native bushland, learning about waterway health, and enjoying the natural beauty of this important urban reserve.
Led by Greater Sydney Landcare staff Alicia and Peter, the morning began with hands-on bush regeneration work. Volunteers worked together to remove a range of invasive weeds threatening the native ecosystem, including Fishbone Fern, Large-leaf Privet, and Lantana, as well as a number of annual weeds. By removing these species, the team helped reduce competition for native plants and improve habitat for local wildlife.
After a productive start to the day, the group enjoyed a well-earned morning tea with fruit and biscuits before taking part in an educational activity led by Greater Sydney Landcare’s Streamwatch Coordinator, Laura.
During the session, volunteers learned about the Streamwatch program and how community members can monitor the health of local waterways. Using Streamwatch testing equipment, the group explored how to measure water quality and discussed why maintaining healthy waterways is essential for supporting aquatic life and the wider ecosystem.
A highlight of the activity was looking at waterbugs, which act as indicators of waterway health. By identifying the different species present in the water, volunteers gained insight into how biodiversity can reveal the condition of a creek or river system.
Lunch followed, with fresh sandwiches providing a welcome break and a chance for the team to relax before continuing their environmental work in the afternoon.
Working Together for Better Outcomes
Greater Sydney Landcare has worked with corporate groups at Boronia Park more than half a dozen times since 2024 as part of a long-term management strategy for the site. Bush regeneration requires consistent effort, with different techniques used to target weeds at various stages of their lifecycle.
Removing weeds gives native plants a chance to grow, but it can also give more weeds a chance to spring up, which is why we come back regularly. Over time, this reduces the weed seedbank in the soil and provides more opportunity for native plants to regenerate naturally.
A Vital Wildlife Corridor
Boronia Park is an important ecological site within Sydney. Spanning around 24 hectares, it is the largest open space in Hunters Hill and one of the best remaining examples of the area’s pre-colonial landscape. The park forms part of a vital wildlife corridor connecting Sydney Harbour to Lane Cove National Park, allowing native species to move between habitats.
The park provides habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including the iconic Powerful Owl, as well as several threatened species and endangered ecological communities. In addition to its biodiversity value, Boronia Park plays an important role in stormwater management, reducing urban heat, and providing access to nature through walking tracks including sections of the Great North Walk.
Greater Sydney Landcare would like to thank the volunteers from Man Investments for their enthusiasm and hard work. Through their efforts, they have helped restore this valuable bushland and contribute to the long-term health of one of Sydney’s important natural spaces.
Volunteer for Bushcare in Hunter’s Hill
If you’d like to contribute to environmental efforts in the Hunter’s Hill LGA, you can become a Bushcare volunteer and regenerate bushland. No experience is necessary as training is provided.
Corporate Volunteering with Greater Sydney Landcare
Find out more about Corporate Volunteering with Greater Sydney Landcare here. Be sure to download our Corporate Volunteering Info Pack.
