About us
About us
Semaphore Largs Dunes Group was established in 2019. The group aims to monitor and protect the indigenous flora and fauna in the dunes between Hart Street, Semaphore and Strathfield Terrace, Largs North. These sand dunes are abundant in indigenous plants and provide a habitat for many native mammals, birds, and insects. The dunes are a critical component of the coastal ecosystem and can absorb destructive hydrodynamic wave energy, thus reducing storm surge impact on coastal communities and wildlife habitats. The dune vegetation is essential both for building dunes through the trapping of windblown sand and for structural stability with its root system. We appreciate the buffer created by the dunes along the Semaphore Largs coast as an important environmental resource that volunteers can help protect.
Our aim
Our aim is to enhance the natural biodiversity of the dunes with support from the City of Port Adelaide Enfield and Green Adelaide. Our work involves weeding, pest control, rubbish removal, replanting indigenous plants, and monitoring the flora and fauna in the dunes. We work with local schools and environmental groups to teach the basics of Bush-care in coastal areas, and highlight the importance of the dune system in the local environment.
Volunteer Program
The Semaphore Largs Dunes Group meets on Mondays at 9.30 am in winter (9 am in summer) for 1-1.5 hours. We collect rubbish, remove weeds, flag weeds that need further attention, and observe flora and fauna in the dunes. We replant indigenous plants during the planting season.
We meet at different locations on the coastal path, depending on where we finished the week before, and tasks that need attention on the day. A reminder email is sent out on Sunday that tells volunteers where we will meet the next morning. We are easy to find in the dunes as our yellow vests are easily visible.
Volunteers are required to wear closed, strong, protective shoes, hats, long pants, shirt sleeves, and gloves, bring water and wear sunscreen. We have a selection of spare gloves and tools for weeding and planting.
If you are unable to attend the Monday morning work sessions, we encourage you to join the group anyway. You can care for an area close to where you live at a time that suits you and be informed weekly about upcoming events and opportunities.
