Our natural areas are a much beloved sanctuary for many in our community, offering a place to get outdoors, relax and interact with the local environment.

As we share our plan for the next four years we would also like to take the opportunity to celebrate some of the things that we have accomplished together since the Nature Plan was launched back in 2020, including:

• Collaborating with local community groups to support greening efforts throughout Merri-bek
• Joining up with local school groups & families to spend time at new nature play sites near the Edgars & Merri creeks.
• Expanding land managed for conservation to over 57 hectares through habitat restoration projects
• Establishing new wetlands at Moomba Park, Fawkner & Gavin Park, Pascoe Vale
• Collaborating with researchers from The University of Melbourne on conservation projects including our biodiversity mowing trial and the establishment of new native wildflower meadows
• Expanding our annual program of nature based community events
• Supporting local gardeners to take meaningful action at home through our Gardens for Wildlife program

As we move forward, we will continue to advocate for positive biodiversity outcomes and support meaningful ways for our community to connect to nature.