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The Limestone Coast Landscape Board continues to champion grassroots environmental initiatives through its Limestone Coast Grassroots Grants program. In the 2025–26 funding round, the Board has committed over $300,000 to support a variety of projects that focus on practical, on-ground activities aimed at enhancing the region's landscape and biodiversity.
These grants are designed to empower local communities—including schools, volunteers, First Nations groups, and not-for-profit organisations—to engage in sustainable land management practices.
Dr. Penny Schulz, Chair of the Limestone Coast Landscape Board, delighted with the program's impact, stating, “The Grassroots Grants funding program provides an opportunity for local community groups to play a significant role in the sustainability and management of our local environment. Working collaboratively with these groups to see on-ground action is extremely important for our local landscape.”
Friends of Bool and Hacks Lagoon received funding to track the movements of the Magpie Goose/Pat-om population and identify the species’ conservation needs.
“Pat-om are more than just birds, they're ecosystem engineers.” said Bradley Clarke-Wood, President of the Friends of Bool and Hacks Lagoons. “They play a key role in nutrient dispersal, and they’re an iconic and culturally significant species for the region. Yet in South Australia, they are classified as endangered.”
This project combines conservation research with community leadership. It will track the movement of Pat-om across important wetlands like Pick Swamp, Bool Lagoon, Lake Frome, and Mullins Swamp. The efforts will involve working with various community groups, including taking guidance from First Nations.
The Limestone Coast Landscape Board supports community-driven environmental projects that contribute to the sustainable management of the region's unique landscapes.
To find out more about the diverse range of projects that have been supported in the 2025-26 grant round visit the project page www.engage.lclandscapesa.com.au/lc-grassroots-grants
Image credit Diana Vine – magpie geese
