About us

Background

Dandenong Valley Parklands is located on Wurundjeri and Bunurong land. The Wurundjeri and Bunurong people are the traditional custodians of the land in which the parklands is located. With deep spiritual connection to the land over thousands of generations, Friends of Dandenong Valley Parklands recognise their significant role in caring for and maintaining the land and waterways.

 Today, the parklands extend along the Dandenong Creek from Koomba Park in the north to Corhanwarrabul Wetlands in the south. Friends of Dandenong Valley Parklands was formed in 1989 and is a volunteer community group that works with Parks Victoria to protect and conserve the Dandenong Valley Parklands.

The group now meet regularly to help restore the natural environment of Jells, Koomba, Norton’s and Bushy Parks, Shepherds Bush and Corhanwarrabul Wetlands.

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Key events and activities

Regular activities include:

  • Propagating many thousands of native grasses, shrubs and trees each year in our nursery

  • Developing and maintaining over 100 species of native and indigenous plants in our show gardens located within the Parks Victoria grounds at 95 Shepherd Road, Glen Waverley

  • Planting thousands of grasses, shrubs and trees each year within the parklands

  • Maintaining those planting sites!

  • Monitoring water quality at Dandenong Creek and Jells Lake

  • Working to restore Shepherds Bush Biodiversity – Shepherds Bush is remnant forest heavily impacted by weeds

In addition, special projects are undertaken throughout each year including:

  • National Tree Day - a planting day across the country usually on the last Sunday in July.

  • Event days in partnership with Monash Council, businesses, schools and local community groups

  • A long term trial project in Koomba Park, using goats for weed clearing and suppression and volunteer planting days

  • Seed collection, often in collaboration with Knox Environmental Society (KES)

(Click here to view Dandenong Valley Parklands map pdf)

Our logo

Our logo is the Chocolate Lily (Arthropodium Strictum), a dwarf perennial herb with grassy leaves and violet flowers, scented chocolate or caramel from September to December. This adaptable plant is indigenous to the area and makes an attractive addition to the home garden or natural bushland areas.

Source: Australian Plants Society Maroondah (2001) Flora of Melbourne, Hyland House, Melbourne.