Friends of Fogg Dam was formed in 2006 and became incorporated in 2007. Our purpose is to promote, protect and enhance the ecological, cultural and aesthetic values of Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve and assist visitors to enjoy, understand and appreciate the unique and very special place.
Friends of Fogg Dam assist Park Rangers; helping to maintain habitat and facilities, sourcing grants to fund activities including weed management, the purchase of a weed harvester, all-terrain vehicle and a drone to monitor weeds and water, promoting Fogg Dam in the media, hosting night walks, monthly working bees, newsletter, our Facebook page and much, much more.
For history and tourism, in 2009 Friends of Fogg Dam produced a history of the Humpty Doo Rice Project and followed this in 2013 with the launch of the Humpty Doo Rice Trail, guiding people to Rice Project sites between Darwin and the Adelaide River floodplains.
Special Events
2006
Friends of Fogg Dam (FOFD) commenced in October.
2008, 2010, 2012, 2017
Field Days with welcome by Traditional Owner: talks, guided walks, workshops and children’s activities. Attended by >400; >600; >500 with positive feedback.
2009
- Interpretive Shelter officially opened by Minister for Parks & Wildlife (P&W) with participation of Traditional Owners and Middle Point Primary School
- Launched a downloadable booklet on History of the Humpty Doo Rice Project.
2013
Launched Humpty Doo Rice Trail & Audio at Tourism Top End, >120 attended.
2014
- Purchased 2nd hand Weed Harvester in conjunction with P&W with a grant from Bendigo Bank, Coolalinga & Districts Branch
- FOFD Featured in ‘Darwin & Beyond’ segment of BBC’s Coast Australia TV production.
- Hosted a “Rice Trail” tour during Heritage week.
2015
Weed Harvester officially launched by Minister for P&W with Traditional Owner.
2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
Earth Hour celebrated with a nocturnal wildlife walk at the dam.
2016
- Purchased a drone to improve weed management with Community Benefit Grant.
- Bird Week celebrated with a ‘backyard’ bird count at the dam..
- Held a 2-week exhibition at Tactile Art Gallery curated by Alison Worsnop, artist at the dam, visited by estimated 500 people.
2017
Bird Week celebrated with ‘Breakfast with the Birds’ at the dam and a ‘backyard’ bird count at the dam.
2018
- Hosted a morning “Rice Trail” tour during Heritage week..
- Hosted a visit to Fogg Dam by 28 National Landcare Network Chief Executive Officers.
- Provided a rice project display for an exhibition at Coolalinga shopping centre.
2019
- Purchased an all-terrain vehicle for Adelaide River Conservation Reserves & Middle Point/Lambells Lagoon communities.
- At invitation of NT Field Naturalist’s Club, joined with a guided nocturnal wildlife walk at the dam.
- Hosted visit by Rowan Ewing, Head of Landcare Services with Landcare Australia.
- Hosted a corporate volunteering day by an 8-person team from Gallagher Bassett Services.
2020
Hosted two Clontarf school groups visiting Fogg Dam and the Ranger Station.
2021,2022
COVID – cancelled plans for Earth Hour nocturnal walk.
Awards
2013
FOFD received NT Qantas Innovative Community Group Landcare Award.
2014
FOFD received High Commendation Certificate at National Landcare Awards.
2015
FOFD shortlisted for Territory NRM Best Urban NRM Group & Landcare Community Group Award.
2019
- FOFD received Australian Government Partnerships for Landcare Award
- FOFD chairperson, Pauline Cass, received Australian Government Individual Landcarer Award.
Working Bee Hours
From 2007 to June 2022, FOFD have provided 2,364 hours of labour at working bees, equivalent to 337 8-hour days and 67 5-day weeks.
Another 853 hours (107 days, 21 weeks) from participation in Corridors of Green and the Green Army weed control projects at Fogg Dam. Total = 2,512 hours, 62 weeks. Many volunteers come from Darwin and drive an hour each way to attend working bees.
Grants
2007-2022 FOFD has raised $221,806 with another $53,000 provided in conjunction by Corridors of Green & Green Army projects, to maintain, improve and promote Fogg Dam.
Community Support
FOFD enjoys strong community support. This is demonstrated by:
- community participation and positive feedback at events
- 17 local businesses donating products and labour to make the weed harvester safely operational.
- donation of prizes by businesses for Field Day events
- 2,500 followers on Friends of Fogg Dam Facebook page.
Regular working bees - held on the 4th Sunday of the Month.
Weed control by hand pulling, spraying via backpack, quad bike, 4x4 or airboat.
General maintenance such as painting infrastructure, applying preservative to wooden floors and seats in lookouts, cleaning interpretive signs, pruning and clearing paths, mowing.
Collaborate and partner with Parks & Wildlife, university, schools, industry and community on projects.
Provide talks and guided tours.
Apply for grants to support work at the dam.
Periodically organise a Field Day with talks, guided walks and children’s activities.
Maintain species lists for Fogg Dam.
Maintain our website and facebook pages.
Distribute newsletters several times a year.
Comment on Government plans and reports relating to Fogg Dam and its wetlands.
Developed and maintain a booklet and website with downloadable driver’s guide on the Humpty Doo Rice Project.
