An army of green-thumbed volunteers are preparing to mark 20 years of caring for the environment in Lake Macquarie.
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In September, Lake Macquarie Landcare will mark the 20th anniversary since a partnership was formed between the city council and more than 200 Landcare groups within the Local Government Area.
Landcare coordinator Jason Harvey said the model had seen grassroots groups restore, rehabilitate and conserve large tracts of land during the past two decades.
"Lake Macquarie Landcare is a community-based organisation built on the successful working partnership between passionate local volunteers and council," Mr Harvey said.
He added that Lake Macquarie Landcare's recognition in 2016 as the best Landcare partnership in Australia demonstrated the initiative's ongoing success.
"Without our amazing volunteers, this organisation would not exist," Mr Harvey said. "We are indebted to them always, but this week - being National Volunteer Week - presents the perfect opportunity to show our thanks."
In its May bulletin, Lake Macquarie Landcare reflected on the 20-year milestone.
The Landcare-council partnership was formalised on September 13, 1999 when John Hughson was appointed as the first Landcare Resource Officer.
During the next 14 years, Mr Hughson grew Lake Macquarie Landcare. He continues to develop the Landcare movement through his current role with Hunter Region Landcare Network.
Lake Macquarie's 800-plus Landcarers contributed more than 16,400 hours of work in 2018, worth almost $1 million to the city.
The volunteers cleared an estimated 163,000sqm of invasive plants such as bitou bush and lantana, replacing them with 11,300 native seedlings.
"We have groups right across Lake Macquarie, working on foreshores, sand dunes, creek lines and bushland reserves," Mr Harvey said.
"They are an excellent way to get out and do something for your local community, to meet new people and to learn new skills. If there isn't already a Landcare group nearby, we're always keen to discuss the potential of starting a new one."
For more information or to volunteer go to www.lakemacquarielandcare.org.
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