Creswick - Landcare Trail
The 1km Landcare Trail is an easy self-guided trail passing through wetlands, plantations and grasslands which provides an introduction to general landcare issues including water quality, salinity, revegetation, weeds, conservation, biodiversity and farm forestry.
There are some lovely sculptures along the trail. There is a chainsaw carving of John La Gerche, carved from a fallen Californian Redwood that was originally planted by him.
John La Gerche 22 May 1845 - 18 November 1914
Crown Lands Bailiff and Forester 1882 - 1897
A man of dedication and a pioneer of forestry, passionate about restoring the forests degraded by illegal timber cutting to supply the needs of gold mining. His work led to the establishment of plantations of many different species. La Gerche understood the value of the forest as a place to be enjoyed by future generations. The La Gerche Track and Oak Gully remain a significant part of his living legacy.
La Gerche was interred in the Old Ballaarat Cemetery on 19 November 1914. This Memorial acknowledges 100 years since his passing from this world. Nursery and Plantation Manager John Johnstone planted a 3-stemmed Sequoia Sempervirens in 1902. The timber sculptured image of La Gerche undertaken by Rob Bast Victoria, uses this redwood and original location. The Memorial was unveiled by the Mayor Cr Kate Redwood AM Hepburn Shire Council on 15 November 2014.
A little further along is a beautiful mayfly sculpture by Smeaton artist Bronwyn Snow. Mayflies are found in healthy water environments where they live submerged for almost 12 months in 'nymph' form. They then emerge as adults, mate and lay their eggs before dying, all within 24 hours.
There are also painted totem poles and lots of painted ceramic tiles along the trail.
Access this trail from Sawpit Road, off the Midland Highway. Look for the sign directing you past the old stables to the wide gravelled start of this well-signposted walk.
Map of Creswick Landcare Trail
The Landcare Trail Walk is the pink line on the map.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are permitted on leash
Review:
A very varied and interesting walk with many elements to enjoy.
There's a good sized car park which is well signposted along Sawpit Road. From the carpark head along the fenceline of Parks Victoria Creswick Office. After a short distance there's a branch to the left, which is the Landcare walk. The La Gerche walk continues straight ahead.
The walk is well sign-posted and you are unlikely to get lost.
Photos:
Location
Sawpit Road, Creswick 3363 Map
