Thanks a million for a mountain of planting!
A huge thank you once again to all the volunteers who planted six large patches of shrubs into the Box Gum Woodland and Dry Forest at Ginninderra.
As the end of the second planting day (May 27) approached, we still had an army of planters and a frenzy of activity as the last of 1500 shrubs went into the ground near the old scribbly gum forest.
“It was a fantastic effort by everyone involved,” said CSIRO Senior Ecologist and planting day organiser, Jacqui Stol. “Over the two days, we managed to plant every last shrub across the six 25×25 metre plots. This wouldn’t have been possible without the great efforts from the 100 plus community volunteers.”
Jacqui also gave a ‘shout out’ to the Well Station Cubs, who have taken part in all four planting days at Ginninderra across 2017 and 2018.
“The cubs were really enthusiastic and did not want to leave until all the plants were in the ground.”
“We had some people digging holes and some planting, while others supplied the plants, guards and stakes or filled buckets and watered plants. The teamwork and camaraderie was lovely to see, with people really seeming to enjoy the day.”
The 2018 planting days introduced a range of ‘dry forest’ shrub species that will attract a wide range of native woodland birds. These plantings complement the 3500 shrubs planted in the Box Gum Woodlands at Ginninderra in 2017, which have recorded a 90% survival rate and excellent growth rates.
“It is so pleasing to know that the 2017 plantings are already making a difference,” says Jacqui.
“During the week our bird survey experts observed some Scarlet Robins foraging in one of the shrub plots. Providing habitat and foraging areas for this declining woodland bird species is one of our key objectives, but it’s very unusual to have an impact so quickly.”
In addition to planting, volunteers received a welcome to country by Ngunawal Elder and Custodian, Wally Bell. During a break in planting, community members took the opportunity to visit a scar trees in the nearby scribbly gum forest, where Wally shared his knowledge about the indigenous history and heritage associated with the area and broader Ginninderra catchment.
Planters also enjoyed barista coffee and hot chocolate from the Our Dream Cafe mobile van, and barbecue lunch catered for by the Hall and District Collectors Club.
CSIRO extends a special thanks to all the planters, our event partners, Ginninderra Catchment Group, Wally Bell and Mulanggang Traditional Aboriginal Landcare Group, Our Dream café for refreshments, Horizon coaches for onsite transport, and Evatt Primary School P&C and Hall and District Collectors Club for barbecue lunches. You all made this event a great success!