Working on Hindmarsh Island in the Murray Mouth, South Australia

Hindmarsh Island is an island about 15 km long and 6 kms wide situated in the delta region of the Murray River. The islands environment is unique because it is exposed to both salt  and fresh water.

Before European settlement, Hindmarsh Island was a beautiful place, heavily wooded with she oaks, paperbarks and abundant with flora and fauna. It provided a home to many Ngarrindjeri people. It is also an area used by migrating birds. The loss of food and shelter has reduced the numbers of native animals and birds.

The original tree coverage of the island was depleated to supply fuel to the steam boats that navigated the Murray River.

The flow of the river to the ocean has been drastically reduced due to agricultural irrigation in upper regions of the river. This is the main cause of the environment change that is affecting the migratory birds.

HINDMARSH ISLAND LANDCARE GROUP

The Hindmarsh Island Landcare Group is a small orginsation of volunteers who's aim to conserve and reestablish original habitat on the island. CVA assists the group in seed collection, plant propogation and tree planting.

Collecting seeds:

Straining seeds out of pods:

Storage of seeds:

Potting plants:

Examples of different bush plants:

Protecting plants so they get a good start: