Moorabool River Reserve

In 2002 BFS Landcare was awarded an ‘Adopt A Park’ grant and work began along the western bank of the River below Dog Rocks Road.

Fences were removed, as well as weeds such as cork elm suckers and periwinkle ground cover.

New plantings of poa grass and indigenous species trees and shrubs were then established.

Moorabool River Reserve

In 2007 the Belcher Family, the previous owners of the Dog Rocks Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, generously agreed with the City of Greater Geelong to enter a long term lease for a 750 metre stretch of land between the Sanctuary boundary and the river bank.

This enabled a southerly extension of the Moorabool River Reserve path and access to a further beautiful stretch of river bank. The path ends as the river widens into a beautiful pool.

Echidna

While working in the reserve, a Conservation Volunteers Australia team identified or sighted:

• 55 indigenous flora species
• 59 native bird species
• 5 reptiles
• 2 am phibians
• 2 native mammals.

If you go quietly you may find platypus on your early morning walks along the river.

Platypus in the Moorabool River

Thiry-three indigenous plant species have now been added to this important piece of remnant bushland.

Australian Wood Duck

Preparation of the southern end of the Reserve required further weed eradication. A ‘Green Corps’ Team, ably lead by Stuart Quick, in conjunction with BFS Landcare, removed Italian Buckthorn, Boneseed, Boxthorn, English Ivy, Olive trees, Carpet Weed, Serrated Tussock and Briar Rose from the Reserve.

Steve Smithyman
Environment Officer City of Great Geelong
Moorabool River Reserve

The City of Greater Geelong Nature Reserves team continues to keep the weeds under control and maintain the path.

It also supports the BFS Landcare schools program, which includes regular informative riverside talks and planting activities.