Biodiversity exhibit opened at Garden Week 2002

11/4/02
Environment and Heritage Minister Dr Judy Edwards officially opened an environmental expo, ECOTOPIA, at Perry Lakes today as part of this year's Garden Week.
ECOTOPIA is an environmental expose representing several exciting projects conducted within our community to save our flora and fauna from further loss of habitat.
Co-ordinated by the Nursery and Garden Industry of Western Australia, ECOTOPIA brings together a number of key organisations, major volunteer groups, government departments and schools that work directly in the rehabilitation, restoration of Western Australia's biodiversity and landscapes.
"This outstanding display gives us a rare opportunity to experience some of the natural beauty of WA's diverse environments and learn of the challenges they face without leaving Perth," Dr Edwards said.
"ECOTOPIA also shows by example that, even in our backyards, we can all play a part in sustaining WA's unique and delicate biodiversity.
"For example, choosing the right plants for the right place helps to reduce fertilizer and water use, while fauna friendly gardening can not only look great, but also protects our unique wildlife."
Through its major environmental program, the Swan-Canning Cleanup Program, the Swan River Trust is participating in this years Garden Week for the first time.
Completely undercover inside a huge 30 x 15m marquee, ECOTOPIA showcases a range of environmental 'snapshots' from throughout WA.
Features include a salt pan that highlights the devastating effect salinity can have on our environment, a natural wetland replica that is a haven for birds, animals, reptiles, frogs and insects, a rocky outcrop featuring native flora and fauna and a frog friendly Garden demonstrating the Alcoa Frog Watch WA initiative.
Each of the nine organisations participating also have a display stall in the 'Info Centre' where visitors will find a wealth of interesting and educational information and interactive activities for children, such as the Swan River Trust's Drain Game, will form part of the interactive activities.
ECOTOPIA will be held at Perry Lakes from April 11 to 16.
The organisations involved in ECOTOPIA this year are:

• Swan River Trust - Swan-Canning Cleanup Program Drain Game;
• Greening Australia;
• Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM);
• W.A. Museum - Alcoa Frog Watch;
• Perth Zoo;
• John Forrest Senior High School;
• Water Corporation - 'Cockatoo Care' Program;
• Swan Catchment Centre; and
• Department of Agriculture.