After the recent floods, we received many concerned comments about the number of tree guards in the debris that accumulated in Merri Creek. Here's what we plan to do about the problem.

As a general rule Merri Creek Management Committee avoids using coreflute tree guards in floodzones as they are too flimsy. However occasionally our clients require us to use materials that they provide. Because coreflute guards have now caused such a litter problem (not all from our own plantings) we are talking with our clients about using more appropriate materials for future plantings in flood-prone areas.

During March 2022, MCMC coordinated a community litter creek clean-up program that removed thousands of pieces of litter and almost 300 kgs in weight from the Merri, Edgars and Moonee Ponds Creeks. This included: 18 staff from the Darebin fashion design business, Elk (photo); almost 40 cubs and adults from the 4th Brunswick Cubs; Glenroy residents, Flower and Vedia, running local clean-up days; 15 people joining Friends of Merri Creek's monthly litter clean-up; 20 Scouts and Venturers from Clifton Hill Scout Group; 10 staff members from the engineering firm, GHD; and 10 keen volunteers from Whittlesea Environment Action Youth Group.

These group’s efforts have been documented on the Litterwatch Vic data portal, enabling the main pollution hot spots to be tracked and help reduce litter at its source.

We can support you to run your own litter clean-up event - contact the Rapid Response to Litter Coordinator, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Further information on running a successful litter clean-up event is available on the Friends of Merri Creek website.

Proudly funded by the Cities of Darebin, Moreland, Whittlesea and Yarra.

This recording is useful for those with indigenous gardens at home or in school grounds.

Our Poa story was recorded in March 2021. It focuses on the valuable seed and the benefits of harvesting it in Iuk (Woi-wurrung language for Short-finned eel) Season on Wurundjeri Country.

In spring 2021, MCMC helped 18 volunteers collect water samples from 11 sites on the Yarra River, Merri and Moonee Ponds Creeks in the first ever Citizen Science Great Australian Platypus Search.

The Great Australian Platypus Search trains volunteers to collect samples from waterways safely and accurately so that platypus presence within the last 24-48 hours can be detected. A large syringe and filters are used to capture DNA, samples are taken directly from a waterway and shipped to the EnviroDNA laboratory for analysis. Volunteers have submitted samples from sites all over Victoria. Waterwatch turbidity sampling was also completed and added to the Waterwatch Victoria data portal.