Biodiversity
“Biodiversity” is used in general terms to refer to ‘nature’ and the diversity of native plants (flora), animals (fauna) and habitats. A biodiversity survey of the Adelaide Park Lands has been completed and is available from the Council's Customer Centre.
The City and Park Lands were orginally covered by diverse native woodlands which provided habitat for many native plants and animals. Much of the original woodland vegetation that covered the City was cleared in early settlement. Council is working to improve biodiversity by protecting remnant vegetation; replanting native vegetation; engaging volunteers; educating and providing incentives for native gardens; and supporting research into urban biodiversity. Council has a highly skilled Biodiversity Team which is responsible for the management of biodiversity sites in the Park Lands and propagates thousands of native plants at Council’s nursery each year.
Adelaide City Council is a major partner in the State Governments Million Trees Program which aims to restore the original woodlands of greater Adelaide. Through the program, Adelaide City Council has planted approximately 100 000 local native plants in the Park Lands with the aim to restoring vegetation and providing habitat for native animals.
Adelaide City Council is a founding partner and sponsor of Biocity the Centre for Urban Habitats, a university research centre aimed at increasing understanding and awareness of urban nature.
Bat Track
Bat Track aims to find out more about bats in the City and provides the local community with the opportunity to record bats from their properties. Schools and residents are invited to take part in the program and record bats over the summer months.
Each species of bat has a unique high frequency call which is generally not audible to humans. By recording bat calls using a special bat detector we can determine what species are flying in the area.
Bats are very unique animals and may be the most diverse and abundant native mammal in the City. By becoming involved in Bat Track you will learn more about these interesting animals and will play an important role in managing our City’s natural environment.
Wirranendi Bush Restoration
Wirranendi Bush Restoration is a Council initiative which engages the community in improving the natural environment of the Adelaide Park Lands. Volunteers meet each month and take part in activities including plant propagation, planting days, seed collection, weed control, animal surveys, excursions and much more.
If you would like to become involved please contact the Adelaide City Council Customer centre, 8203 7203.
Tulya Wodli – Million Trees Project
The Tulya Wodli Riparian Restoration Project site is located in the northern Park Lands in Park 27 (Figure 1). The project site is a tract of land approximately 500m long and 100m wide at its widest point. The site encompasses a section of the River Torrens from the Hindmarsh Bridge ( Port Road) east to a small weir. The site has been extensively disturbed in the past with little native vegetation remaining. The site is dominated by exotic flora species such as Ash, Dock, Nasturtium, Kikuyu and Three-cornered Garlic.
The Adelaide City Council, in conjunction with SA Urban Forest One Million Trees Program, is undertaking this project. The Council has made a commitment to plant 100,000 indigenous plants within the Park Lands through the One Million Trees Program.
Incentives
For Native Vegetation Grants, see Incentives.
Remnant Vegetation
The Park Lands were once covered by diverse native woodlands. (Original vegetation map www.backyards4wildlife.com.au). Despite the level of disturbance the Park Lands have incurred they support numerous species of remnant plants.
What is remnant vegetation?
Remnant vegetation can be defined as the original native vegetation persisting in an area that has either never been cleared or has regenerated from the natural seedbank.
» Remnant Vegetation in Victoria Park/Bakkabakandi (PDF, 17Kb)
