Friends of Fogg Dam Inc.

As we celebrate 35 years of Landcare Australia and landcare as a national movement, we would like to recognise the many individuals or groups that have made a significant contribution to caring for our environment across Australia for generations to come.

Fogg Dam is a Territory treasure located just one hour from Darwin via sealed road off the Arnhem Highway. Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve is a Territory jewel, internationally regarded for its diverse habitats, flora, and fauna.

Friends of Fogg Dam Inc. (FOFD) was formed in October 2006 and active members from the start are Heather Boulden and Jeremy Hemphill (seen with other Friends in the photograph at the launch of the interpretive sign). They have welcomed members and visitors for nearly 20 years to the group activities and encouraged others to take committee positions during that time.

The purpose of forming the Friends Group remains 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 that it is.

An estimate of how successful FOFD is can be seen in their 2007 to November 2024 records when FOFD provided 2,512 hours of labour at working bees, equivalent to 402 8-hr days and 80 5-day weeks.

FOFD collaborate and partner with Parks & Wildlife Park Rangers, Charles Darwin University, schools, industry, and community on a range of projects and provide talks and guided tours.

Maintaining species lists for Fogg Dam is an important aspect and taking the opportunity to comment on Government plans and reports relating to Fogg Dam and its wetlands has been welcomed by all Governments over the years.

Maintaining habitat and facilities are both important. They include weed management with on-dam and on-ground weed spraying, purchase of fuel and chemicals, helicopter charter as well as hand pulling weeds, general maintenance such as painting infrastructure, applying preservative to wooden floors and seats in lookouts, cleaning interpretive signs, pruning, and clearing paths and mowing.

FOFD promote their activities in the media, indicating the hosting of night walks and Bird Week which is celebrated with a ‘backyard’ bird count at the dam and on one occasion it was celebrated with ‘Breakfast with the Birds’.

Sourcing funds to support activities have been successful, with some $292,880 in grants and donations received. The funds have enabled the purchase of a weed harvester An all-terrain vehicle and a drone purchased with Community Benefit Grants to manage weeds and water have been invaluable.