Living in the Area » Bushcare Program   Almost every part of Lane Cove is within 500m of bushland, which is home to many native plants and animals. Bushland is an important link to past ecosystems and Aboriginal and European history as well as a valuable place for adventure, exercise and quiet contemplation. Our bushland is under threat from many urban pressures such as weeds, pollution, dumping and encroachment. Since the 1970's, bush regeneration work has helped protect major bushland reserves in Lane Cove. What is Bushcare? The Bushcare program is a partnership between Lane Cove Council and the community to regenerate and manage publicly owned bushland for the long-term. The community has an important role in protecting and rehabilitating bushland. Currently, there are over 120 local residents actively helping to restore our bushland reserves. The Bushcare program also includes the Lane Cove Community Nursery and Eco garden, where volunteers help grow local native plants for Bushcare and revegetation projects. Join in with Bushcare! With the contribution of Bushcare volunteers, areas that have been struggling under weed infestation are being transformed into healthy bushland ecosystems. Our Community Nursery is now producing thousands of healthy native plants in support of Bushcare and Council bushland projects. Most groups meet monthly on a weekday or weekend to participate in bush regeneration activities or plant propagation with the guidance of a trained supervisor. Click here to find out more about the 17 Bushcare groups active in our area. Click here to find out more about the Lane Cove Community Nursery.        All you need to bring is a hat and water and wear suitable clothing and sturdy shoes. Bushcare groups operate to a specific work plan for each site. This plan is developed by staff and volunteers in accordance with Council’s overall objectives for bushland management. Corporate volunteer groups are also welcome. Click here to find out more. Get involved in Bushcare and see what a difference you can make! Benefits for Bushcarers Bushcare is a great opportunity to get outdoors, make new friendships, explore the bushland near your home, learn about the local environment, and gain new skills. Council co-ordinates the program and provides Bushcare participants with: on site technical advice and training in bush regeneration and plant propagation training workshops tools and gloves insurance for volunteers aged between 15-90 years an end of year social event to acknowledge the achievements of the volunteers a quarterly newsletter "The Golden Whistler" Download the Autumn 2008 edition of "The Golden Whistler" Find out more about upcoming environmental activities and events.   For more information and to join, simply contact the Bushcare Co-ordinator on 9911 3579 or via email: bushcare@lanecove.nsw.gov.au   Related links Find my local bushcare group Under 35's bushcare Corporate volunteering     Upcoming walks talks & bushcare training     Community Nursery & Eco garden     Latest Bushcare newsletter "Golden Whistler"     Contact the Bushcare Co-ordinator     Bushcare survey Under 35's bushcare group, Stringybark Creek Removing Spider Plant at Woodford Bay Morning tea with the Manns Point Bushcare group End of year Christmas Party