
Things you can do to care for your local creek
Caring for creeks might be simpler than you think! Whether you live by a creek or not, all the water that goes down our drains and runs off our properties eventually ends up in our waterways. Find out what you can do at home to help care for your closest local creek!.
A well-managed and thriving creek has multiple vital functions, from reducing the impact of floods, to stopping soil erosion, to providing habitat for diverse wildlife, including native fish, frogs and birds. They are also important community spaces that provide opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and social interaction. The benefits of having a clean and healthy creek are not only felt locally but also extend downstream, impacting coastal residents, visitors and ecosystems.
Caring for creeks might be simpler than you think! Whether you live by a creek or not, all the water that goes down our drains and runs off our properties eventually ends up in our waterways. Here are a few things that you can do at home to help care for your closest local creek!
Watch for signs of erosion
Erosion along creek banks brings significant risks, including potential damage to nearby structures like fences, sheds, or houses, as well as having a range of harmful effects on aquatic wildlife and ecosystems. Signs of erosion, such as exposed soils, visible tree roots, or undercut creek banks, indicate potential issues.
If you suspect severe erosion, it may be necessary to seek advice from an engineer or environmental consultant. However, flagging your concerns with your local landcare group is a great place to start!
One of the strategies we use to prevent erosion is to plant out creek banks with native vegetation such as shrubs, trees, and groundcovers. Opting for local native plants ensures they are well adapted to the environment, leading to better growth and survival and more effective erosion control.
If you’re keen to get involved in a planting, keep an eye out for upcoming events near you!
TIP: This year, National Tree Day falls on Sunday 28 July 2024. To host or join an event, go to https://treeday.planetark.org/get-involved/involved-general
Composting or recycling your green waste
You can put your green waste to good use by composting or recycling it for use as garden bed mulch. This not only reduces waste but also enhances soil fertility and the health of your plants.
Compost also helps to bind soil together, reducing erosion and runoff which in turn reduces pollution to the creek!
Grow native plants
Native plants are the best! Growing a creek friendly garden filled with local native plants helps to reduce runoff, erosion and pollution to nearby waterways.
Creeks love native plants, and you will too! Not only do they look great, they are better acclimated to local conditions and more tolerant to drought and floods. This means they generally need less water and maintenance, saving you time and money.
They also provide food for native wildlife, and some can even help prevent the spread of invasive weeds!
Contact your local nursery to find out which native plants are best suited for your garden and read our article Growing there nine green friends will keep Aussie’s wildlife and bees alive!
Provide a sanctuary for native wildlife
Transform your backyard into a thriving haven for wildlife by incorporating simple features like clean water sources (e.g. bird baths), habitats and shelters (e.g. next boxes), native bee hives, and an abundance of local native plants.
Choose plants that provide food, shelter and nesting materials for local wildlife and avoid the use of harmful pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers.
Rewilding your backyard also helps to create vital habitat stepping stones for native animals that facilitate movement between remaining natural wildlife corridors.
Watch what you’re putting down the drain
Watch what you're putting down the drain!
Everything that goes down our drains eventually ends up in our waterways. Don’t put fats, oils, paints, solvents lubricants, pesticides or thinners down the drain and use a sink strainer to capture any food scraps for binning or adding to your compost. Remember the 3 Ps – only Poo, Pee, and toilet Paper should be flushed down the toilet.
Install low-flow fixtures to reduce your consumption and save on your water bills!
Use mulch
Just like the icing on top of a cake, a layer of mulch can take your garden to the next level while protecting our waterways.
Mulching can act as a natural barrier to seed germination, making life difficult for weeds while offering many benefits such as reducing erosion, enhancing infiltration and moisture retention, improving soil quality, and shielding roots from the sun's heat. By increasing your garden’s ‘sponge effect’, mulch helps to reduce runoff and pollution to waterways.
Choose your detergents carefully
Buy detergents, cleaning agents and washing powders which are low in phosphates. Alternatively, look for pure soap or soap-based dishwashing and laundry substances. Measure laundry and dishwashing detergents carefully and use only the recommended amount or less.
Avoid unnecessary use of cleaning agents and choose natural alternatives that have less harmful effects. A brush and some bicarbonate of soda can work wonders on tough stains!
Reduce the amount of microplastics being released during washes by choosing clothing and materials made of natural fibres where possible.
Slow the flow of water
Stormwater runoff from surfaces like roofs, driveways, and footpaths carries various pollutants downstream, including soil, organic matter, litter, fertilisers, and oil residues.
To reduce runoff and pollution, minimise the number of hard surfaces around your home by using permeable pavers and sweep paths and driveways instead of hosing.
Washing your car on the lawn can help filter the water and stop soap from entering our waterways while watering and feeding your lawn at the same time! Just make sure to use biodegradable, chlorine and phosphate free car wash products.
Check out this factsheet.
Collect rainwater
Water is an invaluable resource, and harnessing rainwater for use around your home is a great way to lower your consumption and protect our waterways.
Installing a tank to gather rainwater from roofs and gutters not only reduces water bills but also provides an alternative supply during restrictions.
Rainwater harvesting lowers stormwater runoff, helping to reduce local and downstream flooding and erosion.
Limit harmful chemicals in your garden
Reduce your use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers by using organic gardening methods. Libraries and bookstores have literature on appropriate herbs and flowers to deter pests.
Pesticides and herbicides are designed to kill invasive insects and plants, but can also harm beneficial native wildlife like bees, butterflies and the animals that eat them. When fertilisers enter waterways, they can cause toxic algal blooms that harm wildlife and may result in fish kills.
Limiting your use of these chemicals (especially before predicted rain) results in cleaner runoff to stormwater drains, and less toxicity and harm to waterways, animals, and plants.