More than 600 people attended last year’s family-friendly Stream Hill Community Day. Photo: DCCEEW/Lofty Studios.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly holiday activity where you can get the kids outside, have fun and learn about the environment, here’s your answer.
The Stream Hill Community Day on Tuesday 14 April is a free event offering hands-on activities and outdoor experiences designed for all ages.
Not only that, but you’ll be helping to protect and restore the endangered Illawarra lowlands grassy woodlands and other precious local habitats, while celebrating nature, creativity and connection with the local environment.
More than 600 people attended the event last year.
Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Department (DCCEEW) senior threatened species officer Alex Pike said the community day was a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to connect with nature and learn more about the environment right on their doorstep.
“We’re proud to partner with Wollongong City Council and Landcare Illawarra to deliver an event that brings the community together while promoting practical ways to care for our natural spaces,” Alex said.
“Following the strong turnout last year, we’re excited to welcome even more people to enjoy a great day outdoors with family and friends.”
Children will be able to immerse themselves in nature-based play with the Junkyard Rascals, get creative making seed bombs, design vibrant boomerang art and discover the fascinating world of native bees and insects.
A section of the endangered Illawarra grassy woodlands. Photo: DCCEEW/Alex Pike.
Adults and families can enjoy guided nature walks exploring local plants, birdlife and the nearby Landcare site, take part in a weaving workshop with Gumaara and contribute to the environment through a community planting session.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to choose from a range of locally grown native species to take home courtesy of the Guardians of the Grassy Woodland.
Patches of Illawarra lowlands grassy woodland are found in Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and the Shoalhaven, but according to the DCCEEW, only 12 per cent of the once extensive bushland survives.
Continuing threats to its survival include clearing for houses and roads, weed invasion, grazing and trampling by pest and domestic animals.
The grassy woodland threatened ecological community differs from rainforests and denser forests as there is more space between the trees, allowing light to filter through to the ground.
It’s filled with tree hollows and seed-bearing grasses which host a variety of native birds, including rosellas, finches and robins.
Other creatures such as the echidna and jacky dragon also call the woodland home, as there is plenty of shelter and there are insects to forage.
The Stream Hill open day is part of the NSW Saving our Species program’s partnership with the Biodiversity Conservation Trust, supporting ongoing work to protect and restore the endangered grassy woodlands and other precious local habitats.
The Stream Hill Community Day will be held from 10 am to 1 pm on Tuesday 14 April, at Integral Energy Park, Darkes Road, Stream Hill. A free sausage sizzle will be provided from noon. To register for the event click here.
