Tree planting and education talks at Quaama Green Shoots day

The communities of Quaama and surrounding district will take part in a Bega Valley Council led activity called Green Shoots which has been funded under the NSW government's Bushfire Community Resilience and Recovery Fund.

After carrying out surveys of the community at Quaama Park, the environmental department of the Council gathered responses which allowed them to identify where residents would like to see post-bushfire environmental restoration carried out.

"The fires burnt much of the riverbank trees and ground cover species, both of which help stabilise the riverbank and prevent erosion which is another important reason to do planting here.

"Our surveys revealed the community is interested in learning more about the 'what now' in the environment after fire.

"For example, what stages of growth will we see? How will we deal with weeds? Will the black wattle stay? Where are the animals and when will some of them come back?"

READ ALSO: Trees donated to revitalise Quaama Memorial Park

After the community takes part in the tree planting, there will be two talks by flora and fauna experts.

Barry Virtue from Atlas of Life, a long-term community project recording changes in the biodiversity on the Far South Coast of NSW, will present on bird life along the river.

Representatives from the group will also present their new new interactive platform, iNatulralist.

It will allow individuals to record sightings of plants and animals and is an important way to record the changes to the environment post-bushfire.

READ ALSO: Quaama community to get hall back after agreement on bushfire relief centre relocation

Brogo botanical expert Jackie Miles will also speak about the vegetation growing along the river.

"It's a great opportunity to hear from these local experts and ask them questions," Ms Ryan said.

Community members will be able to regroup, help with bushfire regeneration and learn about the local ecosystems of this region.

READ ALSO: Shipments of support from Canberra to Quaama

The event will be held at Dry River in Quaama (entrance to the river is via the bend in Bega Street) on Saturday, June 26, from 9.30am until 2pm.

There will also be free coffee and morning tea available until 12pm during the talks, followed by a lunch of casserole of curry served from 12 until 12.30pm.

The tree planting activity will take place from 12.30-2pm. It is advised that people bring sturdy walking shoes and sun protection, a water bottle and keep cup.