The Climate Ready Revegetation (CRR) team recently met to refine our approach in selecting native plant species for nursery propagation. This effort is crucial in adapting our local ecosystems to future climate conditions in the Yass district.

 

Selecting Species for the Future

A key part of the discussion centred on the methodology for deciding which species our partner nurseries will grow. We have always used ‘scatterplot’ graphs to assess whether a species currently occurs in climates like what we can expect in the Yass region in the future. The team decided that we  will now also start using maps that show the distribution of different plant species in relation to projected future climate conditions. These maps highlight areas with similar temperatures and precipitation levels to what we expect in Yass by 2070 and provide important geographical information about where species occur.

 

The outlined area roughly shows the overlap of temperature (5-95th percentiles) and precipitation (5-95th percentiles), indicting the future climate analogue area for Yass (RCP8.5, for 2070)

 

Our 2070 climate projections come from the My Climate View website, based on the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5 scenario. This scenario assumes high greenhouse gas emissions and presents a worst-case climate outcome, making it a robust tool for future-proofing our species selection. These projections can be mapped using the Atlas of Living Australia’s spatial analysis tool, as shown in the images on this page.

 

Climate Maps: A New Lens for Decision-Making

When assessing a species’ future climate tolerance, we mostly focus on two climate variables : annual average temperature and precipitation. Although other variables like soil type, seasonality of rainfall, and extreme weather events are also likely to be significant, annual average temperature and rainfall are a good starting point for determining which plants may thrive under future conditions.

Using this data, the team assesses the prevalence of a species in the projected climate overlay for the Yass district (known as a ‘future climate analogue area’). We aim to select species that naturally occur in this area, as they have a better chance of surviving and flourishing as the climate shifts.

 

   

Eucalyptus melliodora distribution (left) is one of the species included in the CRR project as it occurs not just in the Yass region, but in the future climate analogue area. Eucalyptus polyanthemos subsp. polyanthemos (right) currently grows well in the Yass region but does not occur in the future climate analogue area.

 

Enhancing Genetic Diversity for Adaptability

Once species are shortlisted, we evaluate the availability of seed from various provenances—different geographic locations where the species naturally occur. By sourcing seed from a range of provenances, we aim to increase the genetic diversity of plants grown in our nurseries and used in local revegetation  efforts. Genetic diversity,  boosts the likelihood of these species adapting to changing conditions over time. By increasing genetic variation, we hope to encourage natural selection processes that will allow the species to survive and adapt to the changing climate.

 

Field Insights: Monitoring Adaptability

Following the meeting, the team visited one of our CRR trial sites where we are monitoring the survival of three species grown from local and non-local seed. This trial is essential for understanding whether plants grown from non-local seed are able to survive in local conditions. Results so far indicate that there is no significant difference in the survival of plants grown from local or non-local seed, which gives us confidence to continue our work.

 

     

 

 

 

Get Involved with CRR

The CRR team meets regularly throughout the year to assess progress and refine our methodologies. This ongoing work is one of the many critical tasks CRR volunteers undertake to build a climate-resilient future for our native species.

 

If you’re interested in learning more about the Climate Ready Revegetation Project or would like to get involved, please contact Sonya Duus, our Climate Ready Revegetation Project Officer [email protected]. Together, we can help safeguard the future of our local ecosystems through thoughtful, science-backed action.

 

This project is part of YAN’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship and community involvement. We welcome anyone passionate about preserving our natural landscapes to join us in this important work.

 

Written by 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.

 

 

Recently, the CRR project team (Sue McIntyre, Sonya Duus & Gill Hall) had the exciting opportunity to present their work at the Australian National University, invited by Professor Jamie Pittock of the Fenner School. The team was invited to speak to a class of Masters students in the "Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation" course, focusing on how down-scaled climate projections can help address the impact of climate change on native plants.

 

 

 

Sue kicked off the session with an insightful presentation on the science behind climate change and its effects on biodiversity, setting the stage for Sonya to dive into the specifics of the CRR project. The students were introduced to the project’s innovative approach to using data to safeguard native species.

 

   

 

Following the presentations, Gill and Sonya guided the students through a series of practical exercises, both face-to-face and online. These activities introduced students to publicly accessible tools such as My Climate View, Atlas of Living Australia, Climate Analogue Explorer, Restore and Renew, Which Plant Where, and NSWNicheFinder). The practical exercises were designed to help students explore climate impacts and potential adaptive strategies using real-world data.

 

 

The engagement level was excellent, with students asking thoughtful questions and providing positive feedback. It was a great opportunity to share the tools and techniques developed by the CRR team, and we’re hopeful these future leaders will apply some of these strategies in their own climate resilience work across the globe.

 

This experience highlighted the value of collaboration and knowledge sharing in tackling the global challenge of climate change. We look forward to more opportunities to connect with emerging leaders and share the impactful work being done by the CRR project.

 

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

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The Climate Ready Revegetation 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.

As we celebrate Threatened Species Day, it's important to shine a spotlight on the vulnerable Glossy Black-Cockatoo, a spectacular bird that depends on our efforts for its survival. One of the most effective ways to support this species is by planting its favourite food source, the Allocasuarina trees.

 

A Specialised Diet

The Glossy Black-Cockatoo has a highly specialised diet, feeding almost exclusively on the seeds of she-oaks (Allocasuarina and Casuarina species). Although they feed on at least nine species of she-oak across their range, within local areas, their feeding is often restricted to a single species. In South-East Queensland and North-Eastern New South Wales, they show a distinct preference for the Black She-oak (Allocasuarina littoralis) but will also eat seed for the Drooping She-oak (Allocasuarina verticillate).

 

 

 

A Call to Action for Landholders

Your local YAN Landcare nurseries grow both Allocasuarina littoralis and Allocasuarina verticillata. This is a fantastic opportunity for landholders to create new feeding areas for the Glossy Black-Cockatoo by planting these essential trees.

 

 

 

Why Allocasuarina littoralis?

Allocasuarina littoralis is a versatile and resilient tree that can thrive in a variety of soil types, from sandy soil to heavy clay and rocky ground. It is perfect for ridgelines and anywhere in between, growing to a mature height of 5-15 meters. By planting Allocasuarina littoralis, you can help ensure that the Glossy Black-Cockatoo has a reliable food source throughout the year.

 

The Drooping She-oak: Another Option

In addition to Allocasuarina littoralis, YAN nurseries also grows Allocasuarina verticillata (Drooping She-oak), which naturally occurs in the Yass Valley. This tree grows to a height of 4-10 meters and is particularly suited to ridgelines, making it another excellent choice for supporting the Glossy Black-Cockatoo.

 

Images: Distrubution map of A.littoralis & A. verticillata

 

Planting Tips

When planting these trees, remember that they are dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female plants. To ensure seed production, you'll need to plant several trees in close proximity. Small groups are best for encouraging seed set and providing ample food for the cockatoos.

 

How to Get Involved

To contribute to the survival of the Glossy Black-Cockatoo, consider pre-ordering some Allocasuarina littoralis or Allocasuarina verticillata for your autumn planting through the YAN Online Plant Request Form. By doing so, you can help create new areas of food sources for these beautiful birds.

 

Further information about the Glossy Black Cockatoo can be found at the Glossy Black Conservancy Website glossyblack.org.au

Together, we can make a difference in preserving the Glossy Black-Cockatoo and ensuring its continued presence in our environment. This Threatened Species Day, let's commit to planting the trees that these birds rely on and protect one of our most vulnerable native species.

 

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

 

 

Photo credit: Glossy Black Cockatoo, Glossy Black Conservancy

The Yass Habitat Linkages Project is a decade-long initiative funded by the NSW Environmental Trust through its Bush Connect program. The funding was matched by in-kind contributions from landholders across the district to establish new areas of vegetation on their properties. The Yass Area Network of Landcare Groups (YAN) is the project manager and most of the organisation and on-ground work was undertaken by Greening Australia, whose people did an excellent job, helped by many volunteers.

 

Partners included the Australian River Restoration Centre, Land for Wildlife, Local Land Services, and Yass Valley Council. Since its inception in 2016, the project has made significant strides toward enhancing biodiversity and promoting sustainable agriculture in the Yass region. As we reach the final stages, recent monitoring results highlight the project’s success and provide a glimpse into its future.

 

 

Connecting Landscapes: The Heart of the Project

The primary aim of the Yass Habitat Linkages Project is to connect patches of existing vegetation, fostering a network that supports both biodiversity and sustainable agricultural practices. This effort not only involves physical interventions such as planting and fencing but has also focussed on raising community awareness through workshops, field days and seminars and encouraging sustainable practices among local landholders.

 

 

 

Achievements Surpassing Targets

The project's progress has been notable, often exceeding its initial targets:

- Landholder Participation: The project initially aimed to engage 25 landholders. To date, 53 landholders have actively participated demonstrating the strong community support for the initiative.

- Conservation Agreements: 93 voluntary and non-binding agreements have been established, protecting a total of 3767 hectares—an impressive feat compared to our targets.

- Tubestock Planting: The project planted 30,460 tubestock.

- Direct Seeding: Aiming to seed 100 kilometres of tree lines, the project has seeded 155 kilometres.

- Protected Areas: Fencing has protected 346 hectares, and the total protected habitat area stands at 1644 hectares, well above the 1500-hectare target.

 

 

 

Monitoring Results: A Flourishing Ecosystem

Recent monitoring efforts have provided insights into the ecological impact of the Yass Habitat Linkages Project. Photo comparisons from various stages of the project show a transformation in the landscape with plant survival rates of 60-80 per cent.  Areas that were once degraded and devoid of vegetation now teem with life and greenery, illustrating the project's success in habitat restoration.

 

Bird Populations: One of the most heartening outcomes has been the increase in bird populations, particularly woodland and small birds such as the Golden and Rufous Whistlers. After the coastal bushfires in 2019/20 the sighting of increased numbers of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos suggesting that these areas have provided shelter and alternative food sources for these displaced populations. 

 

Native Wildlife: Reports of other native wildlife making use of these areas have also been reported.

 

Agricultural Benefits: Beyond ecological gains, the project has provided tangible benefits to local agriculture. Windbreaks created by the new plantings offer shelter for lambing ewes, enhancing livestock survival rates in open country. Plantings have proven effective in repairing washed-out gullies, reducing soil erosion, and improving land quality.

 

 

 

Looking Ahead: Sustaining Momentum

The Yass Habitat Linkages Project stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and community involvement. As we move forward, the focus will be on sustaining this momentum, continuing to monitor and support the thriving ecosystems that have been created.

 

Community Involvement: A Key to Success

The success of the Yass Habitat Linkages Project would not have been possible without the enthusiastic participation of the local community, particularly the landholders and volunteers who undertook this work. Their commitment to conservation and sustainable practices has been instrumental in achieving and surpassing the project’s goals. Moving forward, ongoing community engagement and education will remain a cornerstone legacy of the project, ensuring that the benefits of this initiative are both far-reaching and long-lasting.

 

The project hosted field days and workshops that highlighted the integration of native vegetation into farming systems. By showcasing the benefits—such as improved livestock shelter, enhanced pasture health, and increased beneficial insects and birds for natural pest control—the initiative aimed to shift mindsets toward recognising that what's good for the environment is also good for farming.

 

The Yass Habitat Linkages Project is a great example of how government and community partnerships can drive meaningful change. Through collaboration, we've transformed the landscapes into more diverse and connected ecosystems, boosted bird and wildlife populations, and provided direct benefits to local agriculture. The project’s success demonstrates that when we work together, we can create a healthier environment and stronger farming systems, paving the way for a sustainable future.

 

Written by Sarah McGrath, YAN Coordinator & Charles Willcocks, Project Manager (for further information email:[email protected])

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Yass Habitat Linkages project is supported by the NSW Government thorugh the NSW Environmental Trust through a partnership with Yass Area Network of Landcare Groups and Greening Australia.