$3 million boost for Friends of Parks and Nature volunteer groups

The funding, committed over four years, will support Friends of Parks and Nature groups with their projects in national parks and conservation areas across South Australia.

The groups can apply for grants of up to $15,000 for projects that support volunteer led projects that protect biodiversity, conserve Aboriginal and European heritage, and build community knowledge.

In a first, this grant will also support project proposals which enhance environmental and species resilience to H5 bird flu.

Groups may apply for more than one grant and funding is available for activities and projects delivered over a period of up to 18 months.

Applications may also include the purchase of minor equipment and other materials and services that help deliver project outcomes.

Each year, volunteers contribute thousands of hours to activities, including habitat restoration, species monitoring and the preservation of cultural heritage.

The 2022-2025 Friends of Parks and Nature Grant Program supported 224 projects delivered by 87 volunteer groups across the state.

Collectively, the projects leveraged investments of about $5.3 million and contributed to ecological restoration, heritage conservation, threatened species protection and environmental monitoring across SA’s national parks and broader landscapes.

Projects funded through the 2022-2025 grant program include:

• Deep Creek National Park habitat restoration – Protecting and restoring native habitat to benefit wildlife and enhance biodiversity.
• Scott Creek Conservation Park post-fire recovery – Consolidating and expanding post-fire recover of threatened species and their habitats.
• Arabana rangers cultural burning program – Supporting ecological function and mentoring rangers in monitoring endangered flora.
• Short-tailed grasswren protection – Reducing feral cat impacts to safeguard one of South Australia’s threatened native bird species.
• Burrowing bettong recovery at Arid Recovery Reserve – Monitoring the success of reintroduced native mammals within the reserve.

Since its formation in 1992, Friends of Parks and Nature has grown to a network of more than 150 volunteer groups working alongside the State Government to help care for South Australia's natural landscapes.

Through the Department for Environment and Water, the State Government manages 362 parks and reserves, including many of South Australia's most visited tourism destinations. These parks contribute an estimated $374 million annually to the state's economy and support more than 1,200 jobs.

Applications for the grants program close on 4 November 2026. For more information and how to apply, visit https://friendsofparkssa.org.au

Quotes attributable to Friends of Parks and Nature President Hayley Hogan 

Our volunteers pour their hearts into protecting South Australia's parks and nature.

Working alongside them, I have witnessed how the Friends of Parks and Nature Grant Program has provided the practical support and vital resources they need to turn their local knowledge and passion into meaningful, lasting outcomes.

This continued investment is welcomed in our natural spaces, supporting numerous projects across habitat restoration, plant conservation, threatened species protection, and welcoming more people into our parks.