This project dates back twenty years to 2006 and has been a successful collaboration between Johns Hill Landcare and Cardinia Shire. Pepisland was a farm, the slopes had been cleared to grow crops and there were also remnants of a tree nursery. Johns Hill Landcare had started to plant plots along the west boundary, to protect an ephemeral creek with beautiful old tree ferns. We had assistance from Emerald Scouts and Emerald Primary School.
In about 2013, a more structured approach resulted in a Master Plan being published by Cardinia Shire. The definition of the potential use of the area became visible with the construction of the sweeping pathways around the slopes. But it was still bare. Johns Hill Landcare had applied for many grants to keep broadening the west boundary. We used fencing and weed matting of various textures and had many planting days.
Cardinia Shire commenced populating the open spaces with trees in a woodland formation, small plots half way down the slope and then more intensive work on the south eastern boundary which included two dams. Firstly, the dams needed repairing and replanting. The willows were finally removed and now we see extensive planting surround the dams. All this work has taken many years but the result is amazing. Today, Pepisland is a fabulous public space and greatly valued by the community.