Condobolin and Districts Landcare Committee

BCT Seedy Encounters Workshop

With the Seedbank & Conservation Collections team from Sydney's Botanic Gardens

Capacity building - LEP23-005-Condo-05_LLC_003

The issue

The primary issue identified was the risk of extinction for various species due to a lack of seed collection and conservation efforts. This problem was particularly pressing for rare or unidentified species that might be present on private properties. Without proper identification and conservation, these species could be lost forever, leading to a significant loss of biodiversity. The challenge was to raise awareness and engage the community in proactive seed collection to help preserve these species and contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem.

The solution

To address this issue, Condobolin & Districts Landcare organised and hosted a workshop on Seed Collection and Conservation, thanks to funding from Landcare NSW and the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) under the Private Land Conservation Matters (PLCM) Project. Experts Nathan Emery and Laura Watts educated participants on the importance of seedbanks and conservation collections. They encouraged attendees to collect seeds from rare or unidentified species on their properties and send them to the Seed Collection and Conservation for identification and preservation. NSW BCT supports private land conservation to protect biodiversity and manage natural resources sustainably.

The impact

The workshop successfully raised awareness about the importance of seed collection and conservation. Participants learned how they could contribute to preventing species extinction by collecting and sending seeds to experts. This initiative is crucial for preserving biodiversity and ensuring the survival of various species. Additionally, the workshop fostered a sense of community and collaboration among participants, encouraging ongoing engagement in conservation efforts.

Learnings

What worked: The collaboration between Condobolin & Districts Landcare, Landcare NSW, and the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust, along with the expertise of Nathan Emery and Laura Watts, was highly effective in educating and engaging participants. What didn't: There might have been challenges in reaching a broader audience or ensuring ongoing participation in seed collection efforts.

Author: Jenna Keates

Key facts

  • The workshop focused on Seed Collection and Conservation.
  • Participants were encouraged to collect seeds from rare or unidentified species on their properties.
  • The collaboration between various organisations was effective in educating and engaging participants.
  • The NSW BCT supports private land conservation to protect biodiversity.

Project Partners