BIODIVERSITY month in September was an opportune time to take stock of the diverse environment that we have and that we continue to nurture.
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From coastal saltmarsh, littoral rainforest on the coast to the grassy woodlands, subtropical rainforest and tall gum forests on the floodplain and escarpment foothills - we have it all.
You might not realise that the whole of the bushland at Croom Reserve is an endangered ecological community called Illawarra Lowlands Grassy Woodlands. It is one of the best stands of this type of community left in the Illawarra. It is home to the endangered Illawarra greenhood orchid and Pimelea curviflora var. curviflora, as well as the endangered population of the eastern flame pea.
Other amazing environments that we are lucky to have in such good condition are the littoral (coastal) rainforest at Bass Point. This majestic community has a dense canopy and shady understorey. We also have stands of Illawarra subtropical rainforest at Blackbutt Reserve and Flinders. These environments are an excellent place to walk as the weather warms because it is cool under the thick canopy.
Another interesting fact you might not know is that most of the tidal foreshores of Lake Illawarra and Elliot Lake are home to coastal saltmarsh. You may think these plants are just scrappy, struggling shrubs, but they are a diverse community of salt tolerant plants that form an important part of our coastal environment. They hold the banks together as well as provide a safe haven for juvenile fish and crabs and ideal habitat for local and international wading birds that forage in this unique area.
We are lucky to have such diverse types of vegetation, but given there isn't much left in this area, most of these communities are listed as being endangered or vulnerable by the State and Federal Governments.
Sign up to the council's monthly e-newsletter Sustainable Shellharbour to find out more about events coming up which explore all things biodiversity and sustainability.
The newsletter also contains information about local plants and wildlife, vegetable gardening and information on the latest sustainability initiatives around the area. You can subscribe by emailing sustainability@shellharbour.nsw.gov.au or calling the council on 4221 6111.
