The majority of the plants grown in YAN’s nurseries are ‘Climate Ready’. This means they are local species that have demonstrated the ability to survive in a hotter climate (you can read more about how we assess species here). The second key factor is that we source seed from both local and non-local ‘provenances’ (places) to maximise genetic diversity, helping plants adapt to climate change over generations.

Seed sourcing for 2024–25

In the most recent batch of seed grown by YAN nurseries (covering spring 2024- autumn 2025), there were 278 seed collections, and 259 from known provenances. There was an average of 7 seed collections (mostly from different provenances) per species; while one newly added species had seed from only one provenance, well-established species had seed from as many as 13 provenances. Mapping seed provenances helps us assess our species distribution coverage and identify areas where additional seed sourcing is needed.

But where exactly are the ‘non-local’ provenances?

Scientists have identified various provenancing strategies suited to different ecological and project goals (you can read more about provenancing strategies here and here). The chosen provenancing strategy guides decisions on seed sourcing.

YAN’s Climate Ready Project has adopted an ‘admix’ provenancing strategy, with a ‘climate-adjusted’ bias. This means that we are focused on maximising genetic diversity by sourcing seed from a wide range of provenances within the species distribution (the focus of an admix approach). We also prioritise seed from areas with climates similar to Yass’s projected future conditions—our 'climate-adjusted' bias. We source seed from commercial suppliers, ensuring it comes from the eastern mainland states and territories—NSW, ACT, Victoria, and Queensland.

 Images: Examples of species distributions and our seed provenances

If you would like to find out more about YAN’s Climate Ready Revegetation Project, check out our project page, or get in touch: [email protected]

written by Sonya Duus, Climate Ready Revegetation Project Officer

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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.

Using locally-sourced seed has long been considered best practise when it comes to restoring native vegetation. But climate change is requiring us to question how well-adapted our local plant populations will be in the near future. Before roads, suburbs, crops and other barriers were established, plants were able to disperse across the landscape, creating new genetic combinations for natural selection to work on. In this way, vegetation has been able to adapt to past (slower) climate changes including ice ages and increasing aridity.

For over six years, a dedicated group of people have been giving serious thought to what temperature and rainfall changes mean for Landcare nurseries in the Yass area. These nurseries are run by volunteers. The plants are intended for long-term ecological restoration, so it is important for the material to be as ‘climate-ready’ as possible.

Climate modelling has predicted that our region is going to be hotter and dryer. For example, in 25 years, Canberra’s climate is likely to resemble that of Cootamundra if emissions are not curbed.

Starting with the list of local indigenous plants currently grown in the nurseries, the team identified those that have a natural distribution that extends into regions that approximate our future climate. These are most likely to have a tolerance of future climatic conditions. Of the 90 species have been analysed in this way, about two thirds seem likely to be able to tolerate warmer, drier conditions.

The analysis assists the nursery managers to choose species. The strategy is to obtain seed of natural populations from their entire geographic range, including the hot part of their range. This ‘admixture’ strategy provides a diverse genetic base for natural selection and adaptation in the future. There are too many other factors beyond temperature and drought tolerance to be able to predict the most favoured genetic combinations — nature will tell us eventually.

The time and effort that Landcare members have freely given to species selection, seed sourcing and growing these climate-ready plants, should be appreciated. This best takes the form of caring for the plants once they are in your hands. Choosing the planting site ahead of delivery is vital, so tubestock can go into the ground quickly once it leaves the nursery. This applies to all native plantings if the aim is permanent improvement of the local environment. The true value of climate-ready plantings will be when they regenerate and provide ongoing opportunities for adaptation.

Sites that are suitable would include:

Depleted native vegetation – Past clearing and grazing may have reduced population size and numbers of species, but these sites are ideal for supplementary planting.

Around existing remnant vegetation – Plantings are very effective if they serve to increase the area of native vegetation, and boost the size of existing native populations.

Pasture dominated by native grasses – An abundance of Kangaroo, Wallaby or other native grasses indicates that the ecosystem would support regenerating populations of trees and shrubs. Do not apply herbicides or deep-ripping in the last two situations – this will promote weeds and reduce the diversity of grasses and herbs. Plantings that are very dense will also reduce ground layer diversity.

Avoid:

Places with a history of repeated cultivation and fertilizer – although these are most likely suitable if they have been grazed for 10-20 years, without fertilizer addition.

Exotic perennial pastures - A strong presence of Phalaris, Fescue, Cocksfoot, clovers etc will inhibit establishment and future regeneration of native plants.

Fenceline plantings less than 30 m wide – Narrow plantings will not allow viable native vegetation to establish in an agricultural landscape.

Plants are available in autumn to financial members of Landcare. Visit yan.org.au to link to your local group, and for links to further information on planting methods and strategies. The ‘Projects’ tab on the home page has a wealth of detail about the ‘Climate Ready Revegetation Project’.
Join now, and get cracking!

Written by Sue Mcintyre

gang-gang-gundaroo.com

You may also like to read . . .

>> Exploring Local Climate Futures

>> Climate Ready Reveegetation Team: Preparing for a Changing Future

YAN’s Climate Ready Revegetation team is thrilled to share our very first project newsletter!

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported the project over the past year. Whether you're a volunteer, funder, advisor, partner, seed supplier, regional land manager, or Landcare friend, your contributions and collaboration are deeply appreciated.

If you'd like to follow up on anything or explore new opportunities to get involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’d love to hear from you!

[email protected]

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.

In 2024, Judy and Graeme Fountain made the difficult decision to hang up their gardening gloves after eight years of dedicated nursery management on their farm north of Yass.

As cherished members of YAN’s nursery network, they made an immense contribution by cultivating tens of thousands of vibrant native plants. These plants have enriched local revegetation efforts and left a lasting legacy on the landscape.

In addition to growing Climate Ready tubestock, Judy and Graeme propagated 4,000 native plants to help regenerate a Bemboka farm after the devastating 2019 fires. They have also grown a wide variety of Koala habitat trees and participated in other vital projects.

We take our hats off to their incredible efforts!