A small group of volunteers assisted the Wattle Valley nursery manager sow 2000 tubes of native climate ready seed. Wattle Valley was responsible for sowing Dodonaea viscosa (Hop Bush) which was sourced by Greening Australia and their regional seed collecting network. The Yass Area Network (YAN) Climate Ready trial required locally sourced seed and seed from hotter drier and colder wetter regions. Local provenances included Mt Stomlo, Weston Creek and Pierces Creek ACT. Seed from hotter drier regions and colder wetter regions was obtained from Hattah-Colyeambully, Wodonga, Urana, Bobundara and Ironmungy.

When grown, this seed will be planted at two trial sites one in Murrumbateman and the second at Kangiara.  Further detail on the YAN Climate Ready project can be found at this link.

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.