The Southern Tablelands Tree Start Growers Network Returns for a Third Year
The Southern Tablelands Tree Start Growers Network (Growers Network) is gearing up for its third growing season and is inviting community members across the Snowy Monaro and Queanbeyan-Palerang regions to become volunteer native plant growers for the 2026-27 season.
This year, the program aims to support up to 100 volunteer growers to propagate 20,000 native seedlings from locally collected seed. By autumn next year, these seedlings will hopefully contribute to community and landholder revegetation projects that restore wildlife habitat and build landscape resilience
As part of the Growers Network, volunteer growers raise seedlings at home, caring for them from September to March until the tubestock is ready for planting. The program welcomes participants of all experience levels, with Landcare providing everything needed to get started, including propagation kits, soil, planting tubes, seed, a grower’s handbook, instructional videos and ongoing expert support.
Throughout the season, growers are supported by local Landcare coordinators, regular updates and an online community where participants can share advice, photos, and experiences. Over the past two years, the program has grown in both popularity and plants - supporting some 155 volunteers to grow over 25,000 tubestock!
To launch the 2026-27 growing season, Landcare will host five Spring Swap & Drop Sessions across the region from 17th-20th September. These sessions will be held in Bungendore, Queanbeyan, Michelago, Braidwood and Cooma to allow participants to collect their propagation kits, meet fellow growers, and return any equipment or tubestock from previous seasons.
Growing native seedlings is a practical and rewarding way to contribute to local environmental restoration. With only a modest space requirement, access to water, and a commitment to daily care, community members can play a direct role in creating healthier landscapes for future generations.
Could you take care of 200 native seedlings this season? To register or learn more visit Humantix: events.humanitix.com/growers-network-2026-27/.
The Southern Tablelands Tree Start Growers Network is a collaboration between Upper Murrumbidgee Landcare and Upper Shoalhaven Landcare, made possible through the support of community partners, sponsors, and dedicated volunteers across the region.
Special thanks to Aurelia Metals, Martin’s Fertilizer, Nutrien Ag Braidwood and the Landscape Resilience Program of the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife for your support this year.
Acknowledgements
We acknowledge the traditional owners and Aboriginal peoples on whose lands we live, grow and work.
The 2026-27 program is a collaboration between Upper Murrumbidgee Landcare and Upper Shoalhaven Landcare Council, with the support of Aurelia Metals and sponsors Martin's Fertilizer, Nurtrien Ag Braidwood and the Landscape Resilience Program of the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife.
