The Seedling Bank groups planting for wildlife
By Jennifer McMillan 14 June 2023
Community plantings supported by Planet Ark's Seedling Bank kicked off in May. With over 9,000 native seedlings already in the ground and an estimated 6,000 scheduled for planting this month, local communities are coming together to make a positive impact. Join us as we delve into the stories of dedicated groups striving to protect and support their local ecosystems through these inspiring planting efforts.
Goonellebah Tucki Landcare – In an area inhabited by threatened platypus and the endangered purple spotted gudgeon, Goonellabah Tucki Landcare has undertaken a commendable effort by planting 3,000 native trees and grasses. Building upon their previous achievement of planting nearly 20,000 seedlings, the group organised a two week planting event this year, involving school students and community members in their conservation endeavors.
Rainforest Rescue – In recent years, the Rainforest Rescue team has been working to restore ex-agricultural land adjacent to the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, creating vital connectivity from the highlands to the coast. This year, they came together to plant 3,300 native seedlings next to Nightwings Rainforest Centre to create new habitat for rare and threatened species.
Geo Catch – The team at Geo Catch have been planting for the critically endangered Western Ringtail possum. This year, they hosted their fourth consecutive community planting day to restore significant habitat for the western ringtail possums and provide homes for birds and other native wildlife. Volunteers planted 1,000 native seedlings including infill canopy trees Agonis flexuosa and native understorey species Lepidosperma gladiatum.
Friends of Lake Claremont – Lake Claremont is a critical area of urban habitat just 10 kilometres from the Perth city centre. The site was once cleared for market gardens, filled as a rubbish tip and landscaped into playing fields and a gold course. Restoration efforts began 30 years ago to transform the site with more than 350,000 seedlings planted. Quendas (southern brown bandicoots) were relocated to the area one year ago, and they rely on shrubby habitats for nesting and protection. Monitoring cameras show the quendas are thriving, with new generations being born onsite. The group recently planted a mix of shrubs and groundcovers to increase the health and biodiversity of the bushland, providing additional habitat for the local wildlife including insects, reptiles, and native birds. The group recently featured on Gardening Australia!
These stories represent just a few examples of the remarkable work being done through Planet Ark's Seedling Bank. If you're interested in volunteering at a nearby site for National Tree Day, type in your postcode on the find a site page and discover opportunities in your area.
Jen worked as a vet nurse while studying environmental science and completing her master's degree in Journalism. She loves bushwalking, storytelling, caring for baby animals, Australian birds and river red gums. Jen works on the National Tree Day campaign and Planet Ark's Seedling Bank.
