Delivering the right trees in the right place through community tree planting programs.
Delivering the right trees in the right place through community tree planting programs.
Its so satisfying helping the community to plant trees. Not only are you building a better future for the environment, but you are bringing people together to share conversations and learn something.
Capacity to Deliver -
LP022-047
The issue
In the Macleay valley we are blessed with three community-run nurseries situated in Grassy Head, Arakoon, and Bellbrook. The Macleay Landcare Network has been working with these nurseries to run tree distribution events as part of larger landscape recovery programs. In 2020 2000 trees were given to 65 landholders for planting out on their properties, with another 1250 trees distributed to 42 landholders in 2021.
Tree plantings create habitat over the long term. They should suit their location and provide on-going benefits to people, wildlife, and the environment. So rather than giving out a random mix of seedlings MLN wanted to give landholders the right trees and support to help establish their trees effectively.
The solution
The first step is to prepare a short list of species that can be easily grown and are suited to planting out in the common types of habitat sites in the area. These ‘rock stars’ are promoted to both growers and planters alike and provide the backbone of tree planting lists for any local situation. A list is prepared with their suitability for the common habitat types including riverbanks, valley floors, swamps and wetlands, dry woodlands and gullies, and coastal sands. Growers can use this list to prepare a sufficient supply of these species whenever needed and can add any other species for specific biodiversity value.
The next step is to find out who wants the trees and where they want to plant them. An application form is used to collect information on who wants the trees and details such as the general location and specific situation the plants are requested for. These forms are used to identify how many plants are needed from each habitat type and forwarded to nurseries to arrange supply.
A Tree Planting for Success workshop is offered to applicants to provide advice on how to plant and care for tree seedlings until they are established. Participants can complete the application form and ask specific questions about their tree planting efforts.
The impact
The final step is to assemble and distribute the trees for planting. By now the landholders have had sufficient time to make any preparations for the planting. In the hours before the plants are assembled and sorted for each order according to habitat type. Tree guards, weed mats, and fertilizer and/or water crystals are also provided with every order. Applicants can then easily pick up their trees with everything they need for tree planting success.
Key facts
- Plants are selected for each site or property according to the habitat types present.
- ‘Rock stars’ provide the backbone of tree planting lists, with extra species added for specific biodiversity value.
- Tree planting success requires good planning and support founded on the capacity of the local community to deliver.