The Deniliquin Kolety Lagoons Landcare Group has been working for 10 years to reintroduce native plants and fish to these lagoons, which in turn has attracted a growing number of bird species.
The native plants growing on the banks and in the water of the Deniliquin lagoon system have vastly improved the water quality, feed and shelter for the native fish and other wetlands life.
Secretary Erika Heffer said 10 members of the community spent two hours working to maintain the lagoon, which is vital to this continued success.
‘‘We cleaned up the entire island,’’ Mrs Heffer said.
‘‘There was a lot of weeding, picking up rubbish and spraying other weeds.
‘‘Some of the worst offenders were plastic bottles and packaging materials in the lagoon, as well as Kikuyu grass on the banks.
‘‘It is important to have regular working bees and maintenance because the wetland is almost a filter to other environments.
‘‘It is like lungs, if they are not healthy, nothing else is. And it doesn’t just make it safe for the wildlife either, it ensures the native plants can grow and flourish.’’
The next community working bee is expected to take place in February.
Deniliquin High School students will help maintain the lagoon in the meantime, as part of the school engagement program.
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