Last month the Wodonga Urban Landcare Network’s Wednesday Walks changed focus from waterways to other ‘hidden treasures’ within Wodonga.

Parklands ranger Danny Jones lead an inspiring walk on the old rail corridor between Thomas Mitchell Drive and Reid St; a previously neglected route direct to the heart of Wodonga.

Danny, along with seasoned High Country Rail trail volunteers, explained the physical requirements – and difficulties – of transforming a long term industrial site into a natural urban corridor.

From removing railway fixtures and ballast to creating sound walking and riding tracks, the process is being carried out almost entirely through ‘in kind’ partnerships with local businesses, passionate local residents and Parklands volunteers. It’s a slow but steady process.

Already, plantings by volunteers over the past two years are creating a whole new aspect to the corridor; a taste of the vision to come. Groups of local native plants, including  ground covers like the beautiful hardenbergia, wattles and grevilleas flowering at the moment, will line the walking track, creating a living screen between track and neighbours. These are already attracting small native wrens, and in future will be a vital link in habitat corridors connecting Baranduda with the Murray River.

To suit the urban landscape and minimise any fire risk, the plantings will be kept to native shrubs and lower understorey species. Mowing zones are situated between the native plantings and residential blocks, and neighbours are already taking on a stewardship role and mowing outside their yard.

The vision is of a pleasant, shady corridor where residents can walk or ride all the way to the CBD immersed in the Australian bush. What a complete turnaround from the noisy, dirty rail corridor of yesteryear! Truly a hidden gem…

Parklands would love to hear from people interested in joining one of the local stewardship groups creating this amazing transformation. We provide support for local people to undertake projects or simply ‘potter along’ at your own pace. Please call Ant on 0260236714 or email info@parklands-alburywodonga.org.au

Parklands encourages community stewardship of Albury-Wodonga’s unique network of environmental lands. Community groups and residents interested in ‘on ground’ work or enabling recreational activities on Parklands managed lands are welcome to contact us to discuss options. Any works on Parklands-managed lands require written permission. Please contact us at info@parklands-alburywodonga.org.au