Reservoirs for Nature
Reservoirs for Nature connects people with nature while restoring habitats, enhancing biodiversity and offsetting carbon emissions.
About the program
The Reservoirs for Nature program is a long-term investment in South Australia’s environment, people, communities and climate resilience. It intends to deliver lasting environmental outcomes across several of our reservoir reserve sites, beginning with Myponga and Mount Bold reservoir reserves, with the potential for future stages pending approvals.
By regenerating native landscapes and improving biodiversity, this initiative will help restore ecological balance to some of our most important natural areas, while supporting stronger communities, deeper cultural connections, and healthier environments for generations to come.
Environmental and climate benefits
Stage 1 benefits and outcomes
Stage 1 of the program will:
- Restore 320 hectares of previously cleared land at Myponga and Mount Bold reservoir reserves.
- Generate around 67,000 Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) over 25 years, helping us offset emissions from major infrastructure projects
- Support the reintroduction of 130 native flora species, including 40 species of conservation significance.
- Create and enhance habitat for 15 threatened fauna species.
Project sites
Stage 1 of the Reservoirs for Nature program is being delivered across two reservoir reserves. Explore each site to learn more about restoration activities, planting programs, habitat creation and long-term environmental outcomes.
Myponga Reservoir Reserve
More than 106,000 seedlings are being planted across 232 hectares of previously cleared native grassy woodland, alongside the restoration of 60 hectares of native grass meadows. The project will help restore biodiversity, create habitat and support long-term carbon sequestration.
Mount Bold Reservoir Reserve
More than 34,000 seedlings are being planted across 89 hectares of previously cleared native grassy woodland, with more than 130 native plant species being established to restore habitat, biodiversity and ecological resilience.
Strengthening communities and cultural connection
Reservoirs for Nature is about more than restoring native landscapes. The program aims to create opportunities for people to connect with nature, place and community.
Through volunteering, education and community participation, the program will support stronger connections between people and the environment, while also contributing to meaningful reconciliation outcomes through collaboration and stewardship.
Program progress
More than 600 kilograms of native grass seed, equating to approximately 205 million individual native grass seeds, has been sown across the Myponga and Mount Bold reservoir reserves.
Together with the planting of more than 140,000 plants, including 35,000 shrubs and 36,000 groundcover seedlings, these works will support the long-term restoration of native habitat and biodiversity across both sites.
Get involved
Community events at Myponga Reservoir Reserve, including ecology and bird walks in partnership with Nature Play SA, provide opportunities for local schools and the broader community to learn more about Reservoirs for Nature and the restoration work underway across our reservoir reserves.
To stay informed about upcoming events at Myponga and receive project updates from both the Myponga and Mount Bold reservoir reserve sites, visit our Water Talks page.