Grassroots grants
Local
Does your parish or school have a great idea for an environment project but not sure whether you can do it?
Up to $1.2 million is available to cool, green and wild community grounds through Green Adelaide’s annual Grassroots Grants program. Grants of between $2000 and $150,000 are available for projects that will improve metropolitan SA’s environment.
The grants could help revitalise outdoor spaces, gardens and places of prayer. With the help of a Grassroots Grant, the Aberfoyle Park parish turned a sandy patch of ground full of clay-based soil into a revegetated native garden and trail. They replaced weeds with food and fibre plants that are native to Kaurna Yarta, to attract native wildlife while beautifying the area.
The Nativity School and two other primary schools partnered with the parish – both bringing volunteers, and teaching the students about native species. After contractors cleared the weeds, volunteers from the church and school communities spread the mulches, prepared the soil and installed irrigation.
The project included new signs with QR codes and an audio journey so the community can learn about native plants and Kaurna heritage.
The garden is maintained and nurtured by the parish community including the School of the Nativity Gardening Club.
With a 40-year history in Aberfoyle Park, the church and community has revitalised the space with a peaceful area, more fitting for their connection with nature and each other.
Round five of the Grassroots Grants program is open from March 20 until 5 pm on May 15. Find out more at
greenadelaide.sa.gov.au/grants/grassroots-grants
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