Upper Kiewa Landcare Group
The Upper Kiewa Landcare Group was formed in 2009 and is based in Mount Beauty at the foot of the Victorian Alps. With more than 40 members we are an inclusive, motivated and engaged Landcare group, committed to making a difference to the environment in the Kiewa Valley.
We are passionate about the biodiversity of our beautiful and important riparian spaces. Our on-ground activities include:
- weed control
- revegetation
- track building and maintenance to improve access and amenity
- the development and maintenance of a local, native plant arboretum
- the conservation of flora and fauna species particular to the Upper Kiewa catchment
- education
The Upper Kiewa Landcare Group welcomes all volunteers to come along to our regular Saturday morning working bees. Volunteer with us and make a difference!
For further information on the Upper Kiewa Landcare Group, its projects or membership please contact the Kiewa Catchment Landcare Groups facilitator on facilitator@kclg.org.au / 0407 227 814.
Projects
Upper Kiewa Landcare group has been in operation since 2009 and is currently working on three main project sites around the Mount Beauty Township:
Upper Kiewa Arboretum
In 2023, the group commenced an ‘Arboretum’ project across 0.2 ha of land. The group removed weeds and replaced them with species that celebrate the unique plants of the Upper Kiewa Catchment, including alpine areas of Mt Bogong, Victoria’s highest mountain.
The Arboretum is located along the edge of the popular and accessible Pebble Beach walking trail. Used by thousands of tourists and locals each year, this site is a fantastic location to educate and increase awareness of Landcare, native plants, and habitat.
The initial project site is now being extended through another three stages. This will result in another 0.6 ha of arboretum area, celebrating more local plants via accessible walkways and signage. This project has been supported by funding from Alpine Shire Council and AGL.
Kiewa River (Pebble Beach) Walking Trail revegetation sites
This project includes the removal of weeds (e.g., willow and blackberry) and revegetation along strategic locations along the popular Kiewa River Walking Trail.
Simmonds Creek/West Kiewa River Project
Over the last five years, extensive work has been undertaken to transform the junction of Simmonds Creek and the West Kiewa River from a dense weed-infested thicket to a biodiverse native riparian area. Rehabilitation efforts are now extending upstream and downstream of this junction along the West Kiewa River. Walking paths have been established along the edge of the river so that local walkers and visitors can appreciate this thriving native environment.
In addition to these projects, the group also connects with private landholders to support riparian enhancement projects. In previous years, the group has undertaken extensive rehabilitation work through the Rock Pool project on the East Kiewa River and also the Junction Creek Gully project.
