Throughout her formidable career, botanist Enid Robertson (1925-2016) made a lasting contribution to the conservation and management of native vegetation in South Australia.

In addition to significant research, planning and administration in government and private spheres, Enid displayed tireless commitment to community education and hands-on work in the bush.

In 1973 she trialled innovative management of the 32-hectare Watiparinga National Trust Reserve in the Eden Hills-Belair region (formerly a part of her family’s Wittunga farm).

Enid published the widely influential Watiparinga Reserve Management Plan in 1984 which has served as a prototype for management plans for other small to medium sized nature reserves in urban areas.

In her later years Enid focused on the protection of native flora and identification of invasive plants in the Mount Lofty Ranges, eventually lodging more than 1,200 specimens in the State Herbarium.

Honoured with a 1992 Australian Natural History Medallion for Botany, Enid was also made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1997.

Enid Robertson’s unstinting enthusiasm, generous mentorship, energy and sheer hard work continue to inspire new generations to join in the practical conservation of our threatened native vegetation.