The Otago Fish & Game-led project has been supported by two EcoFund grants from the Otago Regional Council.
Community volunteers have helped plant more than 3000 native trees at the 158ha wetland reserve since 2022.
Last week, staff from both councils met to check and celebrate progress.
Fish & Game officer Ben Sowry said there were challenges in doing wetland restoration, but the Bendigo reserve was an excellent example of everyone pulling together to enhance the ecology.
"Getting communities involved gives people a more intimate relationship with these wild places."
The reserve is one of several wetland restoration projects supported by Fish & Game’s habitat enhancement fund, which redistributes diversion fees for angling and game-bird hunting offences.
The EcoFund grants were spent on $10,000 worth of trees grown at the Matukituki Natives nursery in Wānaka.
Many plants were also supplied by the Otago Corrections Facility.
Volunteer groups at Bendigo planting events have included the Cromwell Youth Trust, Cromwell College, Scouts and Cromwell Homeschool Group.
Many individuals have also given their time to plant trees and clear the willows that were choking islands and river channels.
The reserve contains an important waterfowl population.
Mr Sowry said Bendigo was a valued kai basket and recreational area.
‘‘I’m slightly envious of our young community members helping us to enhance this habitat, who will be able to continue harvesting wild food, such as game birds and sports fish, and enjoying its recreational amenities for many years to come."
