Merri-Merlynston confluence transformed

Merlynston Creek is a primary tributary of Merri Creek, its headwaters are in Campbellfield. It flows into the lake at Jack Roper Reserve, under the Western Ring Road, then to, and through, the Fawkner Cemetery. The Creek then flows underground, in pipes, through Merlynston (in the dip just north of Bunnings), before resurfacing on the east side of Sydney Road, prior to flowing into the Merri near Ida Street, Coburg North. While not well known, it is well loved by volunteers with the Friends of Merri Creek Coburg Lake and Surrounds subgroup. They have been tending to the confluence of the Merri and Merlynston Creeks for several years, with a big vision for what Merlynston Creek might one day look like. Think a revegetated shared-trail-to-Campbellfield-sized vision!

To help build on existing revegetation efforts, support the Coburg Lake and Surrounds subgroup and educate more people about Merlynston Creek, Friends of Merri Creek applied for funding from Yarra Valley Water Community Grants. The planting would help to replace some Creekside weeds and support biodiversity at the confluence of the Merlynston and Merri Creeks, a location which has become a particular favourite for small birds. We received partial funding from Yarra Valley Water ($8,215), with the remainder, thanks to your memberships, shop purchases, Container Deposit Scheme refunds and donations funded by Friends of Merri Creek ($3,400). We received in kind contributions from Merri-bek City Council and employed the expertise of the Merri Creek Management Committee for weed removal and site preparation. Friends of Merri Creek also financed the purchase of tools and equipment, like spades, wheelbarrows and a pump, that will support the ongoing work of the Coburg Lake and Surrounds subgroup.

Photo: Volunteers planting grasses into jute weed matting at the confluence of the Merri and Merlynston Creeks, by Claire Weekley

All these contributions allowed volunteers to plant over 1500 grasses, shrubs and trees at the confluence of Merlynston and Merri Creeks over two Sundays in June, with more ad hoc planting to come. Across the two sessions, over 50 volunteers showed up - many from nearby streets and others travelling from further afield. At the end of the sessions, we gathered for a cuppa, some snacks and a chat about the Merlynston-Merri confluence. During plantings, we were treated to the sounds of eastern spinebills and the sight of a rakali.        

      
Photos: Merri-Merlynston planting, by Monica Williamson.

A big thank you to event leaders, Ian, a dedicated and passionate leader of the Coburg Lake and Surrounds subgroup, and Emma, who started revegetation works at the site and continues to be its champion. Thanks also to Liam, Bruce and Peter, who helped ensure the plantings ran smoothly and successfully. Of course: a heartfelt thank you to volunteers of all ages, who showed up on winter mornings and got hundreds of plants in the ground!

For those keen to help out maintaining and expanding revegetation works at the Merlynston-Merri confluence, the Coburg Lake and Surrounds subgroup works there every Friday, from 9.30-11.30 am.
You can find more details in the Friends of Merri Creek event calendar.

   
Photos: Trees, shrubs and grasses on both sides of the Merri at the Merlynston-Merri confluence, by Claire Weekley