Welcome to the Merri Creek Management Committee website

New Upper Merri Parklands - a promise to be kept

FOMC bus tour 1108 Merri at Merri Park c During the recent Victorian election campaign, the ALP promised to create the new Upper Merri Parklands. This is a welcome recognition of the importance of the upper Merri and the potential for continuous linked parkland along the entire length of Merri Creek. It reflects a 2016 joint initiative of MCMC, Friends of Merri Creek and Wallan Environment Group for the creation of the Greater Wallan-Merri Park, a living landscape for a liveable Melbourne. We look forward to the new Labor government delivering on this promise as prompt action is needed to secure the park.

Labor's commitment also included funding a feasability study for the Wallan Regional Park. This new park, centered on the former Hernes Swamp, is a key part of our vision for the Greater Wallan - Merri Park. It includes the potential to reinstate parts of the swamp, to create an attractive, biodiverse focus for the park.

(Photo: upper Merri Creek in Merriang.)

Plains Yam Daisy makes a show

Volunteers have been hard at work raising rare plants as part of the Friends of Merri Creek’s three-year Secret Seven seeds project, which aims to increase the seed supply of seven rare Merri Creek plant species. Northcote resident Jane Mullett has successfully raised Plains Yam Daisies to the seeding stage. She says "I am getting heaps of seeds off them. I am harvesting between 3-5 puffballs every second day!". The plants were initially grown by VINC.

The key stages in the growth of these plants has been documented by renowned local photographer, David Tatnall. See the superb sequence under 'Read More.'

This project is funded with the support of the Victorian Government. The Friends of Merri Creek have contracted MCMC to help deliver the project.

What frogs live in Yarra?

Thursday 24 January, 6.30-7.30pm
Bargoonga Nganjin library, 182 St Georges Road, North Fitzroy - map here
Come join Merri Creek Management Committee’s Waterwatch Coordinator and frog researchers from Canine Ecological to learn about the different types of frogs that live locally. In this fascinating presentation, not only will you meet a dog that helps researchers “sniff” out frogs, you will discover some of the latest research on frog species, how to identify frog species, fun froggy facts, why frogs are an important part of our ecosystem, and how you can help increase our knowledge of frog species and populations via the fun, free and easy frog census app. No frog knowledge is necessary, this is for beginners! Older children welcome. This is a free event, bookings essential here. This event is proudly supported by the City of Yarra.

Our home, our nearby nature around Edgars Creek in Epping event

Wednesday 30 January, 5.30-7pm
Pergola next to Edgars Creek, Lehmans Park, cnr Zinnober Gardens and Broadleaf Drive, Epping North - map here.
Join Merri Creek Management Committee and Friends of Growlers Grasslands to walk along Edgars Creek in Epping North. Bring your kids for environmental art and science activities such as waterbug skin art and plant printing. We’ll look out for birds, frogs and waterbugs and notice the infrastructure that intercepts some pollution from reaching our waterways. We’ll thank 30 Waterwatch volunteers for their long term commitments to the health of Melbourne’s northern waterways and celebrate 25 years of Waterwatch. Light refreshments will be served.Bookings essential below.
This event is proudly supported by the City of Whittlesea, Melbourne Water and the Victorian Government.

World Wetlands Day Walk and Talk in Darebin

Thursday 31 January, 6-7.30pm

Edwardes Lake, Reservoir - see map. Join Merri Creek Management Committee's Waterwatch Coordinator and celebrate World Wetland Day with an easy walk and talk on the wonders of wetlands. We will test the water quality, look for frogs and catch waterbugs, while learning about Darebin's urban wetlands and how they contribute to a sustainable future. Families are welcome. Registration is essential below. Proudly funded by the City of Darebin.

Waterwatch water quality workshop

Sunday 17 March, 10am-3.30pm
Van Raay Centre Room 3 CERES, Brunswick East - map here.
Free training session to become a volunteer Waterwatch monitor. No previous experience necessary. By monitoring water quality and biological indicators and observing the environment we can learn about the health of waterways and help identify problems. All equipment, training manual, technical support and advice are provided and you will receive a certificate on completion. Bookings essential below. This event is funded by Melbourne Water.