Welcome to the Glenthorne Community Grassland Project
Project Background
Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta is a new national park on Kaurna Land in Adelaide’s southern suburbs. As part of a major regenerative initiative, the Grassland Project employs innovative landscape design to recreate 5 hectares of endangered Grey Box derived Grasslands while supporting nature education through local school and university partnerships.
Why are Native Grassland’s important?
Native Temperate Grasslands are vital ecosystems with deep ecological and cultural significance, having been shaped over millennia through the relationship between Indigenous peoples, and Country. Traditionally managed through sophisticated practices such as cultural burning, these grasslands once flourished across the Adelaide region. Since European settlement in 1836, grassland ecosystems have dramatically declined to less than 1% of their original extent due to changes in land management and undervaluation of their ecological importance. The Glenthorne Community Grassland represents essential restoration efforts aiming to revive these nationally threatened ecosystems, capable of supporting over 100 plant species per hectare and holding substantial cultural value. Restoring native grasslands in our local parks protects biodiversity, honours cultural heritage, and enhances the resilience of ecosystems for generations to come."
Learning resources
Want to learn more about your local environment and how you can help? We’ve curated a selection of handy resources to help you learn, and play your part in restoring South Australia’s natural landscapes.
By the community, for the community
Funded by a Green Adelaide Grassroots Grant, with additional contributions from Marion Council, the Grasslands Project is a collaborative effort led by Max McQuillan. Key contributions came from the Friends of Glenthorne, Glenthorne Park Rangers, Seeding Natives, Nature Play SA, the University of Adelaide, and Flinders University. Thank you to all who contributed!
