Corowa Propagates Community Nursery Program
Capacity building - LEP_23-025_LLC03
The issue
There is a growing need to strengthen community resilience in the face of a changing climate and extreme weather events. Landholders are presented with the challenges of adapting to changing conditions, being able to keep up with emerging knowledge, and access resources to support their empowerment as environmental and sustainability stewards in the rural and agricultural landscapes.
The solution
The FRRR Future Drought Fund Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought – Community Impact Program has allowed the development of Grow Local, Thrive Local - Corowa District Landcare’s community nursery program. To address the growing need for community resilience, this project has empowered individuals by providing them with the skills and resources to propagate their own plants. Through involvement in the program, community members learnt how to grow local indigenous plants from seed, which are suited to drought conditions and can aid in revegetation of farms and gardens.
The program utilised equipment suitable for backyards, which was readily available from local hardware stores. Volunteer growers were provided with a mini greenhouse, local seed sourced from Murray Native Seed Services, seed raising potting mix, as well as instructions on propagation and plant care. Seeds were sown in hiko trays in the mini greenhouses. Once at size, plants can be planted at the volunteer’s property, given away to a friend, or returned to Corowa District Landcare to be used in tree planting projects.
The impact
Through this program, participants have learnt how to propagate and grow local plants, and therefore have upskilled in creating sustainable and resilient landscapes. By growing native species, participants are also contributing to local biodiversity, providing food and shelter for wildlife, while avoiding the spread of invasive “garden escapee” weeds. Whether through growing plants for their own property, gifting them to friends, or donating them back to Corowa District Landcare’s planting projects, participants will see the direct impact of their efforts in enhancing their local environment.
Key facts
- As of November 2024, potentially 1,400 plants will be available for 2025 plantings.
- Propagation greenhouses have been distributed at workshops and special events, such as the Corowa Show.
- Equipment for propagation is readily available at local hardware stores.