In recent months, the children at Bowning Public School have keenly observed a noticeable absence of birds in their playground, sparking a desire to invite these feathered friends back into their outdoor spaces. Their enthusiasm inspired the Bowning Bookham Landcare group to take action by planting a section of the school yard to create some playground habitat and encourage further biodiversity in the playground and beyond.

National Schools Tree Day: 26 July 2024

On 26 July 2024, the children at Bowning Public School took part in National Schools Tree Day by planting trees on their school grounds. Each student had the opportunity to plant their own tree, which they can watch grow over the years. The children also showcased their creativity by decorating their very own tree guards. These guards were adorned with wonderful artworks reflecting what inspires or is important to them.

The children were incredibly engaged and enthusiastic about the project. Their excitement was infectious as they planted their trees with care and decorated their tree guards with vibrant designs. As they grow, so will the trees they've planted, creating a lasting legacy for future students.

National Tree Day: 28 July 2024

Despite the chilly morning start, our spirits were warmed by the cheery and enthusiastic group of volunteers who joined us to plant at the school on National Tree Day, 28 July 2024. This wonderful group made short work of getting around 300 native and locally volunteer-grown plants in the ground, building on the planting the young students had already started.

One of our volunteers beautifully described the planting as the creation of a “bird super highway” leading into the school. This initiative aims to provide a welcoming environment for birds, fostering greater biodiversity not only in the school grounds but also in the surrounding area.

A big thank you to all the amazing individuals who joined us. Your hard work and commitment are helping create habitat in the playground and beyond. Together, we are making a positive impact on our environment and inspiring the next generation to care for our planet.

Looking Ahead

The Bowning Bookham Landcare group is dedicated to continuing efforts like these to enhance our local environment. The success of this planting event at Bowning Public School is just the beginning. We look forward to seeing the trees and plants grow, providing a haven for birds and other wildlife, and enriching the outdoor experience for the students.

A further Community Planting Day is planned for Landcare Week see below for details

Community Planting Day – Glenview Bookham | Sun 11 Aug

Writen by Sarah McGrath, Bowning Bookham Landcare Local Coordinator

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The Bowning Bookham Landcare Habitat Hops Project has been assisted by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust.

We’re excited to share some fantastic news from Yass Landcare Community Nursery! Thanks to the generous support of the Bango Wind Farm Community Enhancement Fund, we've recently been able to purchase new trays, pots, and other essential nursery supplies. This grant has been a game changer for our operations, and we’re thrilled about the positive impact it will have.

Previously, our volunteers had to contend with mismatched trays and tubes, which was not only inefficient but also a bit of a puzzle to solve. With our new, precisely matched equipment, the process will be much smoother. No more forcing differently sized tubes into trays—everything now fits perfectly, making our nursery operations more streamlined and enjoyable.

Our dedicated team of volunteers will be busy from September to December 2024 filling these new trays with our Climate Ready native seed mix. This hard work will prepare us for a fantastic selection of plants that will be available for sale starting in Autumn 2025.

A huge thank you to the Bango Wind Farm Community Enhancement Fund for making this possible. Your support is invaluable, and we’re incredibly grateful for your contribution to our nursery and community. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to grow and enhance our nursery with this wonderful new equipment!

Writen by Sarah McGrath, Yass Area Network of Landcare Groups Coordinator

When you pick up plants from one of our Yass Area Network of Landcare groups' (YAN) nurseries, it's easy to overlook the meticulous process behind species selection and seed sourcing. Each plant you take home represents a culmination of detailed work and thoughtful consideration to ensure its survival in the future climate of the Yass area. Curious about the behind-the-scenes efforts that make our Climate Ready Revegetation project possible? Read on to discover the meticulous process of species selection and seed sourcing that ensures the future survival of plants in the Yass area.

Assessing Species for Future Survival

At the centre of the Climate Ready Revegetation project is the need to determine which species are likely to thrive under future climatic conditions. Our process begins with a critical assessment: will the species survive our projected future climate?

To answer this question, we examine whether the species currently grows in regions with temperatures and rainfall patterns similar to those anticipated for the Yass area. If a species is found in such environments, it gives us confidence in its potential to survive and flourish in Yass as the climate changes.

One of the tools we use for this assessment is 'climate envelope' mapping. These maps overlay species distributions with climatic projections, providing a visual representation of where conditions today mirror the expected climate of Yass in 2070.

Case Study: Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora)

Take, for instance, the Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora). In the map on the left (below), black dots represent the current distribution of Yellow Box, overlaid on the projected climate envelope for Yass in 2070. The orange and red areas indicate regions with temperatures akin to what Yass will experience, while the blue area highlights regions with matching annual precipitation.

This map reveals that Yellow Box already grows in areas with climatic conditions similar to those projected for Yass, suggesting that this species is likely to thrive in the future Yass climate.

Left: Temperature (orange & red) and precipitation (blue) expected for Yass in 2070 overlayed with current distribution of Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) (black dots) Right: project seed source provenances

Ensuring Genetic Diversity

Once we identify a species capable of surviving future conditions, the next step is to source seeds from a wide range of places or 'provenances.' This diversity is crucial as it enhances the genetic variability of the plants, increasing their ability to adapt to changing climates over successive generations.

The map on the right (above) shows our seed sourcing strategy for Yellow Box. By procuring seeds from various provenances, we maximise genetic diversity. While we often rely on commercial seed businesses, which may limit precise sourcing, we strive to get seeds from as diverse a range as possible.

From Seed to Seedling

After sourcing, seeds are propagated in our YAN nurseries. The nurseries play a vital role in growing seedlings that will be distributed to local landholders. This step ensures that the plants have the best possible start, increasing the likelihood of successful establishment in revegetation sites.

The Bigger Picture

The effort put into seed selection and sourcing is an integral part of ensuring that the plants we grow today will thrive in the future. By understanding and planning for climate projections, we help landholders create resilient and sustainable landscapes that will benefit generations to come.

So, next time you visit one of our nurseries, remember the thoughtful processes that ensure the plants you take home are ready for the future. The Climate Ready Revegetation project exemplifies our commitment to biodiversity, sustainability, and community resilience in the face of climate change.

Writen by Sonya Duus, Climate Ready Revegetation Project Officer & Sarah McGrath, YAN Local Coordinator

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This project has been assisted by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust. Landcare Australia Michael King grants enable us to purchase seed from diverse provenances.

We had an inspiring visit from the enthusiastic students of Murrumburrah High School at the Yass Landcare nursery recently. The students showcased remarkable efficiency and teamwork, managing to sow 700 pots of eucalyptus and poa and fill numerous trays. Kate and Jan, our dedicated nursery volunteers, provided excellent guidance, and the students’ eagerness to learn and help was truly commendable.

The students shared their exciting projects at school, including propagating plants and managing a hydroponics system. They aim to start their own plant sales soon and are planning to undertake revegetation projects in their local area. Their passion for environmental sustainability and hands-on learning is truly inspiring.

Join Us at Yass Landcare Nursery

Our work at the nursery is a testament to the power of community and collaboration. We are always looking for more volunteers to join our team. Whether you have a green thumb or just a passion for helping out, your contribution can make a significant impact.

How You Can Help

-  Volunteering: Spend a few hours a week at the nursery, helping with planting, potting, and maintaining our green space.

- Donations: Contribute to our cause to help us buy seeds, pots, and other essential materials.

- Spread the Word: Tell your friends and family about our work and encourage them to get involved.

Volunteering at Yass Landcare nursery is a rewarding experience, offering a chance to learn new skills, meet like-minded people, and contribute to environmental conservation. Together, we can make a difference in our community and beyond.

For more information on how you can get involved, please email Sarah [email protected]

Writen by Lyn Walker, Yass Landcare volunteer & Sarah McGrath, YAN Local Coordinator