The Knoll Conservation Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Knoll Conservation ParkSouth Australia |
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IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
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 The Knoll Conservation Park
Location in South Australia
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| Nearest town or city | Stirling |
| Established | 1 January 1917 |
| Area | 2 hectares (4.9 acres) |
| Managing authorities | Department for Environment and Water |
| See also | Protected areas of South Australia |
The Knoll Conservation Park is a special place in South Australia where nature is protected. It's located in a suburb called Crafers West, which is part of the beautiful Adelaide Hills. This park is about 12 kilometers (about 7.5 miles) south-east of Adelaide, the state capital. It's also quite close, about 1.5 kilometers (less than a mile) west, to the town of Stirling.
What is The Knoll Conservation Park?
The Knoll Conservation Park is a small but important protected area. It covers about 2 hectares, which is roughly the size of two rugby fields. The park is managed by the Department for Environment and Water. This department works to keep the park's natural environment safe and healthy for everyone to enjoy.
Where is The Knoll Park Located?
The park is found in a specific piece of land known as section 612. It's bordered on its western side by Waverley Ridge Road. This makes it easy to find and visit if you are in the Crafers West area.
History of The Knoll Park
The Knoll Conservation Park has been a protected area for a long time. It first started in 1917 as a "national pleasure resort." This meant it was a place for people to visit and enjoy nature.
How The Park Became a Conservation Park
Over the years, the park's official name and protection status changed:
- In 1967, it was officially named The Knoll National Parks Reserve. This happened under a law called the National Parks Act 1966.
- Then, in 1972, it became The Knoll Conservation Park. This change happened when a new law, the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, was put in place. This new law helped to better protect wildlife and natural areas.
Nature at The Knoll Park
The Knoll Conservation Park is known for its unique landscape and plants. It sits on a small hill, or "crest," which is 566 meters (about 1,857 feet) above sea level. The park has steep slopes on its south and east sides, and a flatter area towards the north-west.
Trees and Plants You Can Find
The park is mainly covered by a type of open forest. The most common tree here is the eucalyptus obliqua. This is a native Australian tree.
- In the southern and eastern parts of the park, you'll find many native plants growing under the trees.
- However, in the northern and western areas, there are also some plants that are not native to Australia. One of these is Ulex europaeus, also known as gorse. This plant can be a problem because it grows very quickly and can take over areas, making it hard for native plants to thrive. People have tried to control it, but it's still a challenge.
Protecting The Knoll Park
The Knoll Conservation Park is classified as an IUCN Category III protected area. This means it's recognized internationally as a natural monument or feature. It's a place that is protected mainly for its unique natural features.
Why Protecting Small Parks Matters
Even though The Knoll is the smallest conservation park on the South Australian mainland, it's still important. It helps to protect a piece of the natural environment and provides a place for people to connect with nature.
