Local environment group Earthcare Park will receive a $4700 donation as a result of this Steamfest’s Green Steam initiative.
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As part of the 30th anniversary of Steamfest in April, ticket holders were given the opportunity to purchase Green Steam tickets for an extra $2. Money raised would be donated to a locally based environmental initiative, with Earthcare Park being selected by organisers.
Earthcare Park is a Landcare Group which looks after 50 hectares of land near Tenambit that undertakes bush regeneration, regular field days and environmental events.
Chairman of Earthcare Park Eric Huber said he was confident the group would be able to use the money effectively.
“We want to remove invasive weeds and re-introduce indigenous grasses so we can give native birds something to feed on and use as nesting material,” he said.
“We also want to create a place that is a pit stop for migratory birds because there aren’t too many places in and around Maitland that have that sort of environment.”
Earthcare Park has been responsible for planting around 55,000 trees near Tenambit in the last 20 years.
“We are grateful that council selected us to be the recipients of the money because we can now begin on projects that might not have been possible otherwise,” Mr Huber said.
Council’s marketing and communications manager Rachel MacLucas said the park was selected after careful consideration.
“Earthcare Park volunteers have a clear passion for what they do, they work hard and they have shown that they make a difference,” she said.
“We also thought the money would go a long way in their hands.”
The Green Steam initiative will continue at Steamfest next year, which is scheduled for 8 and 9 April 2017.
“We should always try to offset the emissions where we can, and for an event like Hunter Valley Steamfest it is especially important,” Ms MacLucas said.
“This year is testament to the success of the Steamfest Green Steam initiative and Council will continue with it for future events.”
Earthcare Park meets on the second Saturday of each month, just off Metford Road near Berryl Humble Oval.
The group is always calling for more volunteers to sign up.
For more information go to earthcarepark.blogspot.com.au or like them on Facebook.
