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.

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.