Under the Green Corps program, which provides young people aged 18 to 21 with the chance to take part in projects that conserve, preserve and restore Australia’s environment and cultural heritage, foreshore restoration will take place in Port Macquarie and the Camden Haven.

These regeneration plans will be carried out in areas that have suffered the most damage, such as

Pelican Point on Port Macquarie’s North Shore, Middle Rock Reserve at Lake Cathie and Henry Kendall Reserve near Laurieton.

The loss of native plants and trees, and the invasion of weeds, at these sites has

damaged the environment. At Pelican Point and Middle Rock, erosion also is a major concern.

Green Corps participants will weed, plant native species, maintain paths and work on minor erosion problems.

Greening Australia team leader Sally Stennett, who manages 10 Green Corps participants at a time –

usually for six months – said it was important to protect native plants and trees.

“We work on about 10 different sites, getting rid of weeds and planting lamandras, wattles and eucalypts to stabilise dunes and stop erosion,” she said.

Once the volunteers have completed the 26-week course, they are awarded a Certificate I qualification in horticulture, conservation and land management.

Mrs Stennett’s latest group of environmental warriors will graduate on July 28. A new army of Green Corps workers will take up the challenge from August or September.