Greater Sydney Landcare’s Streamwatch and Local Landcare Coordinator Jessica Lumbroso teamed up with the Hawkesbury-Nepean Landcare Network, Hawkesbury Environment Network (HEN), and Cattai Hills Environment Network (CHEN) to celebrate World Wetlands Day with an event at Pitt Town Lagoon on Friday 2nd February 2024.
Pitt Town Lagoon was used for a water quality training event on World Wetlands Day 2 Feb 2024 by Streamwatch, the Hawkesbury-Nepean Landcare Network and other partners. Photo: Beverly Baker. 
Waterbirds including a Pelican at Pitt Town Lagoon on World Wetlands Day 2 Feb 2024. Photo: Beverly Baker. 
Cormorants at Pitt Town Lagoon during the World Wetlands Day water quality monitoring training event on 2 February 2024. Photo: Beverly Baker.
Training in Water Quality Monitoring for World Wetlands Day
Jessica Lumbroso said of the day, “Thanks to all the wetland warriors that joined us at Pitt Town Lagoon.”
“We took the morning to appreciate our wetlands and the species that depend on them.”
“We hosted a training day today to monitor the water quality, and are planning to start two new testing sites and rekindle two previous testing sites from today’s training day.”
“What a way to celebrate World Wetlands Day!” Jess said.
Thank you to Beverly Baker for her amazing photos from the Pitt Town Lagoon training event.
Monique Bailey of the Hawkesbury-Nepean Landcare Network said of the event, “We hosted this training day to allow the community to have a chance to get to know their Local Landcare Coordinators and to teach people how to monitor the water quality in wetlands.”
About Pitt Town Lagoon
Pitt Town Lagoon is found within Pitt Town Nature Reserve, approximately 50 kilometres north-west of Sydney and 5 kilometres north-east of Windsor.
Like most of the wetlands on the Hawkesbury, it was significantly altered last century when its native vegetation was cleared and its swamp was drained so that the land could be used for grazing. Today Pitt Town Lagoon holds water for short periods after flooding and heavy rain.
Even so, Pitt Town Lagoon is an extremely important wetland area for western Sydney, especially for migratory birds. A number of islands were constructed in the lagoon in 1985 to provide protection for water birds and enhance the lagoon’s value as a resting and breeding area for wetland species. Many species of waterbirds have been recorded on or around Pitt Town Lagoon, including vulnerable species.
The Importance of Wetlands
The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water notes that, “Wetlands help to sustain life, they provide clean water, climate resilience, habitat for wildlife including ‘migratory and threatened species, and food and livelihoods for people around the world.”
“Wetland landscapes also positively impact mental wellbeing. Wetlands provide recreational opportunities including fishing, water sport activities and swimming. Research shows that wetlands provide a sense of connection to nature and promote mindfulness.”
About Streamwatch
Streamwatch is a citizen science water monitoring program, managed by Greater Sydney Landcare, that enables community groups to monitor the quality and health of local waterways. Get involved today!
