Located in Far East Gippsland, Victoria, the Mallacoota Endemic Garden (MEG) arose after the devastating 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires. The fires not only devastated the local community, but the natural environment was impacted on a scale never before seen. Far East Gippsland is considered a biodiversity hotspot, with many rare, endangered, and endemic flora species found nowhere else. Many of these plant species had their entire wild population burnt, and there was real concern that some of these species may not be able to survive another fire of such intensity or increased fire frequency. Thus, the idea of the Mallacoota Endemic Garden was born.
The MEG is a small landscaped native garden, which features endemic, endangered, and rare plant species found in the surrounding area. The endemic garden provides a space for reflection, education and ultimately has created a place for the unique flora of the area to be appreciated. Additionally, the garden acts as an insurance population, allows further study of these species by tertiary institutions, and encourages community interest. This garden plays an important role in providing a haven for a small number of each species, where, in the event of future large-scale bushfires, seed and propagation material can be collected to re-establish wild populations.
During popular visiting periods (summer and Easter) you can catch our volunteers providing guided tours of the MEG and on a fortnightly basis throughout the year our dedicated team of volunteers undertake a morning maintenance working bee.
The MEG and associated Community Nursery have played an important role in the conservation of several local species such as the Betka Bottlebrush (Callistemon kenmorrisonii) by growing these plants and distributing them throughout the community, as well as providing collected seed to various other seed banks.
The MEG features several unique and rare flora species such as the Imaly Mallee (Eucalyptus imlayensis), Shipwreck Banksia (Banksia croajingolensis) and Dwarf Kerrawang (Commersonia prostrata). Many people would not have the opportunity to see these species in situ.
If you find yourself in Mallacoota, be sure to check out the MEG, which is located on the corner of Allan Drive and Buckland Drive. Take a moment to stroll through the garden beds and learn about some of the incredible flora that can be found in the local area; and if you’re lucky, one of our dedicated volunteers might be down there to give you a guided tour.
More information about the Mallacoota Endemic Garden can be obtained by contacting the Friends of Mallacoota at friendsofmallacoota@gmail.com or via our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/FOMNursery
