From dilapidated farm land to bird paradise along river systems

"Australians are all too familiar with the devastating environmental changes caused by extreme events such as floods, bushfires and cyclones. Yet gradual but consequential environmental changes brought about by urban expansion, the spread of invasive weeds and animals, and climate change often pass unnoticed."

"The park was established in 1984 on what was largely cleared farmland, bordered by a narrow strip of river red gums along the Yarra River. Since then, it has been transformed by extensive planting of trees and shrubs into a mix of woodland and open grassed areas for recreational use. Two ephemeral wetlands provide habitats for waterbirds."

"Urban environments, green spaces and parks, especially those connected along river systems, play a key role in conservation. They offer a variety of food, they facilitate bird movements through cities and towns, and they allow populations to spread into urban residential areas that otherwise have depleted bird communities." >>
https://theconversation.com/800-visits-to-a-suburban-park-inside-an-epic-40-year-birdwatching-quest-283593
#biodiversity #birds #habitat #UrbanExpansion #sprawl #CitizenScience #conservation #rivers #DilapidatedFarmLand #FarmingAU #LandMangement