Stewardship of land, water and nature has been championed in the 2025 round of Grassroots Grants, with 39 community-led projects supported by the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board.

They range from revegetation, and fencing livestock out of creeks, to the creation of native plant seed banks and developing educational materials. 

At the heart of each project is an inspired and motivated community caring for land, water and nature.

The annual Grassroots Grants program provides $260,000 of funding, across two funding tiers: less than $4,000 and up to $20,000.

Chair of the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board David Greenhough says the grants, funded through the landscape levy, encourage conservation action from landholders, community and volunteer groups, and schools.

“One of the cornerstones of Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu is to support landholders to be proactive in their stewardship of our environment,” he says.

“Grassroots Grants are a fantastic incentive to build greater community involvement in caring for our landscapes, and to financially support projects that will positively impact our region.”

Fleurieu recipients of the 2025 Grassroots Grants program include:

• Stock exclusion and riparian restoration, Finniss. A private landholder who will be using the grant to fence cattle out of Giles Creek, a tributary of the Finniss River.

• Carrickalinga Ratepayer’s Association. Carrickalinga is Australia’s first accredited Dark Sky Community and sought funding for tailored resources promoting uptake of wildlife-sensitivelighting to the community. The project will educate locals on reducing light pollution’s harmful effects on nocturnal biodiversity. The resources will include evidence-based guidance on lighting to support ecological health, improving community awareness, and compliance with national and international lighting standards.

• Biodiversity McLaren Vale - Funding for tool to support Biodiversity McLaren Vale’s Weedy Wednesday initiative.

• Flow: Youth Voices for Nature combines conservation education, mental health support, and community engagement through school workshops and a public SALA exhibition. Victor Harbor High School students explore marine ecosystems, wellbeing, and leadership, culminating in talks and art displays. The project promotes water care, nature connection, and active community participation.

Funding also went to native restoration at Carrickalinga Cliffs; stock fencing at Glenford Gully Creek; Bremer riverbank regeneration; and the Mount Compass Area School Fleurieu Swamp Enrichment Project.

Mr Greenhough says he was thoroughly impressed by the quality of applications.

“The Hills and Fleurieu region is home to many wonderful individuals and groups who are working hard to protect land, water and nature. I’m inspired and impressed with this year’s

applicants and wish to congratulate the recipients.”

For the full list of recipients, visit the website.