Local heroes across New South Wales know that maintaining a healthy environment begins at home, in your very own backyard. If you want to undertake conservation work on your property, a new round of grants has just opened that could offer you up to $3,000 to realise your greenest ideas and plans. You must have a conservation agreement on your property to apply.
Since 2008, the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife’s ‘Private Land Conservation Grants’ program has provided over $155,000 to passionate conservationists. These funds have helped conserve threatened Australian native species and improve the quality of our natural environment.
“As most of the land in Australia is privately owned, conservation on private land is crucial to the long term protection of this country’s amazing native plants and animals,” said Ms Leonie Gale, CEO of the Foundation. “Private conservation land connects habitats across the state by creating wildlife corridors between national parks, improving their resilience and integrity.”
Since 1970 the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife has been purchasing land to add to Australia’s national parks, and funding conservation work to protect our native plants and animals.
“Our grant program is unique because it acknowledges individuals who do conservation work on their own land. It supports them in their long term commitment to taking care of Australia’s environment for future generations to enjoy,” Ms Gale said.
You can apply for a grant if you would like to undertake any of the following on your property:
- Weeding
- Pest control and eradication
- Habitat maintenance and restoration
- Educational activities such as school study tours
- Flora, fauna or Indigenous heritage surveys and monitoring
- Removal or replacement of fencing that is dangerous to native Australian animals
- Installation of nest boxes
In 2010, Esme Wood of Galston received a $750 grant for the removal of weeds around river banks on her land. Esme said, “I am happy to help conserve the local bushland and appreciate the support of this program.”
David Brunckhorst of Armidale also received a grant last year of $3000 for fencing, weed and pest control, and the planting of native species. David said, “This grant is a big boost in continuing our regeneration of the creekline, and will especially help us regenerate the Blakely’s Red Gum community components.”
The ‘Private Land Conservation Grants’ program is funded by:
- Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife
- Paddy Pallin Foundation
- Humane Society International’s Wildlife Land Trust
- Diversicon Environmental Foundation
- Nature Conservation Trust of New South Wales
- Office of Environment and Heritage Conservation Partners Program
Applications close 30 June 2011, and successful applicants will be announced 31 July 2011.
