The Moruya Micro-forest project has, to date, raised $19,135. The organisers are hoping that the remaining two days of their funding campaign might see a final burst of donations to help them in their goal. A spokesperson for the group said "The Moruya Micro-forest is a community-led project to create an urban oasis in town. The micro-forest will cool the landscape, provide wildlife habitat, enhance community well-being and give hope for the future. It will be an outdoor heatwave haven for all to enjoy and connect with nature.
"We are partnering with St John’s, Moruya, to make it happen. The micro-forest will be the first of its kind in the Eurobodalla. St John's already has the Red Door, a community space converted into an indoor bushfire and heatwave haven. The micro-forest will complement the Red Door as an outdoor heatwave haven.
"The micro-forest will be planted with plants from Dry Rainforest - an endangered ecological community of SE NSW. The project will consist of:
· 1,500 local rainforest plants (planted at 3 plants per sqm) and a pollinator patch (the whole project takes up around 1000sqm - the size of house block in old Moruya)
· organic soil improvement
· water harvesting (gets the water deep into the soil at a plant's roots where it's needed most) - water harvesting is essential for when drought returns
· a dry creek bed for nature play
· an open central space for gatherings and outdoor learning
· informal seating
· broad paths in and out
· and a 2m goanna timber sculpture (donated by Nick Hopkins).
"Together the dense planting, soil improvement, and water harvesting mean the micro-forest acts like nature’s evaporative cooler.
"Pockets of rainforest still exist on rural properties around Moruya. We will choose species that thrive in these pockets and grow quick-growing cover plants, like Wattles, to protect them while they are establishing.
"The micro-forest is within walking distance of Moruya Public School and St Mary's Primary School and can be used as an outdoor classroom and for nature play. It's also close to businesses, shops, Council offices, and the Library and provides a place to stop and connect to nature.
Moruya’s Micro-forest Is For You.
"We can’t wait for governments to act on climate change. Nor can we wait for them to make inviting community-led spaces. So, we want to create a successful pilot that can be adopted throughout Eurobodalla.
"2019 was Australia’s hottest and driest year on record and ended with the Black Summer Bushfires. It has caused devastating impacts on livelihoods and wildlife. By creating Micro-forests throughout the Eurobodalla shire, we cool towns, improve well-being and provide local jobs.
"We've already raised over our tipping point of $17,000. We did this in 12 days with the support of a wonderful community.
"The $17,000 pays for the landscape and water harvesting design and earthworks that underpin the project. Every extra cent we raise means we have to rely less of obtaining grants.
"Our goal is to achieve $34,000, so we can bring this project to life sooner. Eurobodalla and visitors we can do this!!
Meet our project creators and collaborators
"We are a group of Eurobodalla residents keen to regenerate the landscape after the devastating Black Summer Fires and forge stronger community connections.
"Our leadership group includes Eurobodalla residents: Maree O’Rourke, Wendy Jones, Martha Ansara, Bernie O'Neill, Charlie Bell, Nick Hopkins, Sharlene Cohen from Urban Rewild, Lou Dampney, Margie Burk, and Viv Wheatley.
"Our design partner is Moruya Landscape Architect, Edwina Robinson from the social enterprise, The Climate Factory. Since 2020, she has built three climate-cooling micro-forests in Canberra www.climatefactory.com.au/forests/
"Our land partner is St John's Parish, Moruya, led by the Reverend Linda Chapman.
"Horticulture students from Moruya TAFE will grow rainforest plants for the project.
Above: Supporters of the Moruya micro-forest project are seeking community support. Photo: Gillianne Tedder.
The Timeline
"We are starting soon. The earthworks and water harvesting will begin in Autumn 2023, and the Micro-forest will be planted by community and business sponsors soon after.
"A specially formed group will maintain the Micro-forest for three years. After that, it will be self-sustaining.
"Your actions matter - so get involved. Pledge now, then meet your neighbours, get your hands dirty, and have some fun! Learn more at https://moruyamicroforest.com/
How can you get involved?
Individual Pledges start from $30 up to $500. With each pledge, you get the opportunity to take part in a VIP Planting Day, or we can plant on your behalf. Every dollar helps and quickly adds up. PLEASE pledge and help in giving Moruya and Eurobodalla HOPE. And there's nothing to stop you donating more than $500.
Business Pledges range from $500 to $10,000 or more. We would welcome the support of local Eurobodalla businesses in getting this project off the ground. You will be well rewarded and appreciated for your contribution.
Budget Overview
Use Of Funds
$17,000 TIPPING POINT GOAL
· $17,000 will cover $10,000 for earthworks (including water harvesting trenches, dry creek bed, and soil improvement)
· $7,000 for water harvesting design and landscape design
$34,000 STRETCH GOAL
If we reach $34,000
· Community engagement
· 1500 native rainforest plants and tree guards
· Site superintendence
· Landscape materials
If we reach more than $34,000, we will spend the money on
· Nature play for children
· Fixed seating
· Signage
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