Gemtree Wetlands - Forest for Frogs project

Part proceeds from Gemtree Vineyards’ wine sales is being donated to Greening Australia to ensure the ongoing rehabilitation of the Gemtree Wetlands.

The Gemtree wetlands are a thriving area of prime frog habitat within the Vineyard’s property in South Australia’s McLaren Vale.

Back in 1998 Gemtree had the environmental foresight to establish a wetland complex on a site that sits adjacent to the nearby Peddler Creek catchment. At the time the 10 hectare site was severely degarded. Its six interlocking dams had become severely eroded and the creek line was suffering from rubbish and farm machinery dumping.

In 2005, Gemtree Vineyards and Greening Australia partnered to manage the rehabilitation of this site. The ultimate goal? To involve the local community in environmental rehabilitation and rebuild the habitat back to its original condition prior to European settlement.

The results have been impressive. Revegetation using native species has attracted native fauna to once again make the area their home, including a number of endemic frog species. The project has used the skills of Greening Australia staff to engage the community in tree planting and monitoring activities. 

Greening Australia video

Hear Greening Australia staff and Melissa Brown from Gemtree Vineyards talk about the project. Video courtesy of Channel 7 (Adelaide).