SPOTLIGHT STORY

Words: Anna Kantilaftas. Photos Supplied.

As it moves into a new generation, Second Nature Conservancy - previously GWLAP - prepares for growth and encourages everyone to take small steps to preserve the Fleurieu’s natural environment.

For more than 25 years, the Goolwa to Wellington Local Action Planning Association (GWLAP) has worked to restore, protect, and enhance the environment around Lake Alexandrina and beyond.

Now, under the new name Second Nature Conservancy, the organisation moves into a new era.

General Manager Ross Oke says, “We use our knowledge to plan and implement significant on-ground restoration projects and educational activities. To date, we've planted over 2 million seedlings, restored 10,000 hectares, and involved 4,000 landholders in our core region.”

A recent milestone involved completing weed control across 75 hectares within Fleurieu Peninsula parks, enhancing high-value habitat.

Ongoing projects include coastal vegetation restoration and a partnership with the Nature Foundation, aiming to preserve the habitat of the nationally threatened Mount Lofty Ranges Southern Emu-wren at Watchalunga Nature Reserve.

Photo: Bullock Hill Conservation Park

From its roots as GWLAP in 1998, Second Nature Conservancy has become a torchbearer of environmental advocacy on the Fleurieu.

“The name change is certainly tied to a new direction for us, which is to broaden our activities and our revenue base further by attracting investment from a wider range of funding partners and investors,” Ross says.

“To some extent though, the change is retrofitting a more appropriate name to our organisation, which had already grown and evolved. There is still so much work needed to ensure our flora and fauna are conserved and can thrive in the long term.”

While the heart of its mission beats in the catchments that flow directly into Lake Alexandrina, Second Nature Conservancy prides itself on doing whatever it can to conserve what remains of our native vegetation, and operates with the purpose of "restoring, protecting, and enhancing our local environment."

“I love living on the Fleurieu, and that’s the key to caring for our environment – to value it. Recognising that nature underpins tourism, primary production, water quality, and the water cycle is fundamental,” Ross says.

Biodiversity is more than just flora and fauna; it also considers nutrient cycling, filtering water, pollination of crops, and more. Through its workshops and events, Second Nature encourages people to learn more and recognise that everyone can get involved in caring for the environment.

As the organisation opens this new chapter with a new brand, it reaffirms its commitment to environmental stewardship and its dedication to on-ground restoration projects and educational activities by making a tangible impact.

Ross’s 5 tips to contribute to environmental stability and sustainability in your own backyard:

1. Cultivate appreciation: Foster a sense of appreciation and value for the natural environment, which enriches individual lives, especially children.

2. Education: Learn more about local flora and fauna, attending events, workshops, or nature walks to understand the significance of conservation efforts.

3. Get involved: Engage in practical activities with local conservation groups, volunteering time or advocating for the preservation of natural areas.

4. Bring Nature home: Choose plants that attract wildlife, avoiding invasive species, and ideally incorporating local native plants into your surroundings.

5. Support conservation efforts: Contribute time, advocacy, or donations to organisations like Second Nature Conservancy Inc. Every effort counts in preserving South Australia's natural heritage.

Learn more

Kyeema Conservation Park. Photo supplied.