Edie Franks was always an activist. Whether campaigning against inappropriate development in Byron Bay, where she lived most of her life, or travelling to the Northern Territory to demonstrate against uranium mining. In 1989 Edie moved to Bangalow. Upon learning that the subtropical rainforest that once covered hundreds of hectares of land in the northern rivers had been reduced to small fragmented pockets battling to survive, Edie decided to leave a living legacy in the form of a rainforest along Paddy's Creek.
Numerous visits to local nurseries, some help from Byron Shire Council, and employing her family to propagate seeds from the existing plants, Edie's dream began to take shape.
Edie worked for 10 years planting and weeding for approximately 1 km along both sides of the creek creating a wonderful native plant corridor. The original trees have now seeded and this area has become a haven for a variety of wildlife.
Rest in peace, dear Edie. Forever in our hearts.