The climate in the Yass Valley area is getting harsher, less predictable and more extreme. The Let’s Try It program is all about doing something locally to make a difference to the impact of climate change on our places and community. The program aims to support the Yass Valley community to respond to the changing climate
This blog was contributed by Marchien van Oostende from Sutton Landcare Group.
On Sunday 27 September the Sutton Landcare Group planted 110 native trees and shrubs at McLaughlin's Creek in Sutton. Recent rains had changed the site from a drought stricken corner to a lush and green area. 10 People came and planted. Though the wind was chilly, it was a lovely morning and planting was done quickly and well, with this experienced group of people. All plants are protected by a tree guard, and have been mulched and (lightly) watered . We were able to plant the area thanks to a community grant from Chris Dixon at McGrath Real Estate which enabled us to buy about 50 native shrubs and wattles. The Yass landcare Group provided 60 little trees - 3 varieties of eucalypts, Black Sallys, Apple Box and Red Box.
This was the 3rd time we planted in that corner, and the first time we had excellent soil moisture. Third time lucky!
On Saturday 12th September the Yass Landcare Community Nursery saw its biggest turnout of volunteers this year to assist in the sowing of native seed for our fire affected partners at Bemboka.
Seed sown included Kurrajongs, Acacia implexa, Acacia falciformis, Callistemon sieberi, Lomandra longifolia plus a range of seed provided from the Bega Seed Savers group. This sowing has been made possible with funding from a Landcare Australia Michael King grant.
YAN won a Threatened Ecological Community grant from the SE Local Land Services Yass office in 2019. The Yass Gorge is the focus of this grant. To date, woody weeds have been removed near the weir wall and on 4th September 2020 (roughly coinciding with Threatened Species Day on 7th Sept) a planting of River Red Gums and Carex a grass like sedge was undertaken. On 4 November a bird and flora walk to be lead by Nicki Taws of Greening Australia will be held. We hope that all locals enjoy walking and visiting the various sections of Yass Gorge.
