Building habitat whilst saving water
Posted: 29 August 2023
Busselton Water has partnered with GeoCatch through its Community Partnership Program to promote and support the Bay OK Nature Verge project, encouraging the urban community to replace its lawn verges with native plant gardens.
For over 25 years, GeoCatch has been keeping Geographe Bay healthy by protecting and enhancing the natural environment. The Bay OK Nature Verge project aims to reduce costs of garden maintenance for homeowners, reduce water use in the garden and reduce fertiliser run-off that impacts water quality in our waterways all while creating a habitat for urban wildlife and improving streetscapes.
Busselton Water Chair, Dr Robyn Paice said the corporation was proud to partner with GeoCatch to provide funding towards the Bay OK Nature Verge project.
“It’s fantastic to contribute to a community group that not only protects and enhances the natural environment, but is also dedicated to sustainability and water efficiency,” Dr Paice said.
“Busselton Water’s contribution will support GeoCatch’s efforts to work with homeowners to install their own nature verge. We’re delighted to support initiatives like this” Dr Paice added.
GeoCatch Project Officer, Lisa Massey, said, “Busselton Water’s contribution has enabled Bay OK to help participants with advice on removing turf, improving sandy soil and selecting appropriate native plant species for their verge gardens.”
“We are grateful for Busselton Water’s support and look forward to a successful partnership in the year ahead.”
Next on the horizon for GeoCatch is a composting workshop on 10 September, presented by Mark Tupman from Productive Ecology.
The workshop demonstrates compost production, composting systems, and will closely examine the science of soil. “Perfect for the home gardener!” Ms Massey added.
To find out more about the Bay OK Nature Verge project or to register for the workshop, visit GeoCatch’s website.
This year, Busselton Water is investing more than $16,000 across seven local organisations through its Community Partnership Program. The program is part of the corporation’s commitment to investing in local grassroots organisations.
