On world environment day, 10 volunteers from GEP joined together at Boronia Reserve for a day of Landcaring for Healthy Habitats and environmental education.
The group focused on removing emerging privet seedlings along the stormwater runoff, carefully protecting surrounding native vegetation while also targeting invasive asparagus fern throughout the site. Across an area of 954 square metres, volunteers successfully removed approximately 7 cubic metres of weeds and invasive vegetation β a fantastic achievement for the day.
Privet (Ligustrum spp.) is one of the key invasive weeds impacting Boronia Reserve and surrounding waterways. If left unmanaged, privet can quickly form dense thickets that outcompete native plants, reduce biodiversity, and alter habitat structure for local wildlife. Along waterways and stormwater corridors, privet also spreads easily through seed dispersal, allowing infestations to move downstream into other bushland areas.
The ongoing work being carried out at Boronia Reserve is helping to gradually restore native habitat and improve the resilience of the local ecosystem. By focusing on emerging seedlings before they mature and spread further seed, volunteers are helping to reduce future weed loads and protect regenerating native vegetation already returning to the site.
The GEP volunteers brought an incredible energy to the day, working diligently throughout the morning while remaining enthusiastic and engaged. The group was highly social and collaborative, creating a welcoming atmosphere while tackling a large amount of bush regeneration work. Participants asked thoughtful questions about weed management, native vegetation, and water quality monitoring, showing a genuine interest in learning more about the local environment and the importance of ongoing conservation efforts at Boronia Reserve.
Alongside bush regeneration activities, participants also took part in a walk through the site and a Streamwatch session where they discussed the importance of water quality monitoring and citizen science. Volunteers were introduced to the ALERT Water Quality Testing Kit and the Waterbug Kit, learning how these tools are used to monitor the health of local waterways and identify changes in aquatic ecosystems over time.
The event highlighted the importance of long-term community action in protecting urban bushland and waterways, while giving volunteers practical experience in environmental restoration and monitoring.
A huge thank you to everyone who participated and contributed their time on World Environment Day to help create healthier habitats for local wildlife and cleaner waterways for our community.
GEP employees participated in the volunteering activity as part of a corporate volunteering initiative coordinated by Greater Sydney Landcare. Views expressed in this article are those of Greater Sydney Landcare and do not necessarily represent the views of GEP.
Join Hunters Hill Bushcare Program
If youβd like to contribute to environmental efforts in the Hunters Hill area, you can volunteer to become aΒ Hunters Hill City Council Bushcare volunteer, and regenerate bushland. No experience is necessary as training is provided.
Looking Ahead & Future Opportunities
With such a successful collaboration, Greater Sydney Landcare is excited to build on these efforts in 2026 and beyond. If your organisation is interested in meaningful corporate volunteering opportunities that support conservation in Greater Sydney, weβd love to hear from you! You can also download our Corporate Volunteering Info Pack to find out more.
