Citizen science has been the driver for the Port MacDonnell Landcare Group as they delivered wetland restoration and water sampling activities at the nationally endangered karst spring sites. Grassroots Grants has supported the Springcare: Community caring for karst springs and fens of the lower limestone coast project to enable another year of activities.

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Images: Peter Feast, Port MacDonnell Landcare Group

Our karst landforms are spectacular and support unique ecosystems. The Port MacDonnell Landcare Group recognise the importance of protecting and maintaining the unique and nationally endangered karst springs found in our region.

Water quality monitoring provided data across a large portion of the remnant karst springs in the region. The testing also provided the opportunity to check and monitor spring water nutrient levels for nutrients that may have come from surrounding land use practices. Spring water passes through the agricultural landscape before being discharged via the spring system. The partnership with Flinders University allowed the data to be analysed and reported.

This ongoing monitoring data can contribute to the establishment of environmental water requirements for key ground dependent ecosystems, as well as providing an indication of trend and trajectory in order to promote better land use management locally.

The grant enabled the purchase of native plants, labour and materials of local fencing and weed spraying contractors which supported the wetland restoration efforts of the volunteers.