Centennial Parklands
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Parklands Ponds Group
The new Centennial Parklands Ponds Group volunteers was established in 2008-09 and has already demonstrated
the significant results that can be achieved by our volunteers.
Each volunteer undergoes training to conduct specific environmental management activities which include harvesting carp, water quality measuring, pond bank weeding and planting.
The group is also be responsible for reporting sightings of significant flora and fauna.
A restoration project undertaken in partnership with the Centennial Parklands Foundation at Kensington Pond resulted in 10,000 new native plants installed along the pond bank to help prevent pond bank erosion and also draw down on high nutrient level entering the ponds through stormwater.
The other part of the Ponds group saw the successful trial of 40 volunteer fly fishers, who successful removed approximately 900 kilograms of the pest species European Carp from the ponds system.
Carp Removal
We currently have a volunteer fishing group called "Grass Roots", removing this pest species from our ponds. The groups meet three times per month at different ponds. At the end of 2009 The Grass Roots program is the most successful, removing more than 80kg of fish per session.
There are currently no vacancies in the Grass Roots program as we regularly have 25 booked in advance. There are however opportunities for Corporate groups to participate as a team building exercise, and the Parklands also offers persons with a disability the opportunity to come and fish for free.
Water Quality Measurement Group
Water Quality Measuring is the newest of the Parklands’ volunteer programs to launch.
Centennial Parklands, in partnership with Sydney Water Corporation, have developed a program that allows volunteers to learn the 'How's' and 'Why's' of measuring water quality.
Volunteers learn about the interconnectedness of different abiotic (non living) features and their influences on the pond ecosystem. The group measures turbidity, pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, dissolved Oxygen and phosphates in different Centennial Park ponds.
Data is recorded and uploaded onto Sydney Water’s Streamwatch Website at www.streamwatch.org.au.
Student volunteering is encouraged.
