Native Offshoot Opens At Botanic Gardens

Newcastle Herald

Tuesday June 26, 2007

GR

A 40-HECTARE area of the Hunter Botanic Gardens was cleared of lantana and bitou bush before being opened to the public yesterday.

Some of the zone has been replanted with native vegetation while other areas have been left for natural regrowth.

The Federal Government's Envirofund paid for the project. Paterson MP Bob Baldwin opened the area, known as the Southern Conservation Zone.

Restoration project manager Max Burnie praised the work of all its volunteers and the efficiency of Trees in Newcastle for the speedy completion of the task.

"We are still cutting back any new shoots of lantana, but it's such a peaceful place you don't mind wandering through and cutting out a few weeds," Mr Burnie said.

Wetlands separated the gardens and the Southern Conservation Zone until a boardwalk was built.

© 2007 Newcastle Herald

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