MESSAGE FROM our President and CEO PresidentJeanetteGellard CEONatashaDavis

This edition of ReLeaf provides us the opportunity to see a thriving revegetation project in the Southern Flinders Ranges — the result of 20 years of dedicated work to restore a highly degraded landscape. As the creek lines and folding hills have become healthier over many seasons of planting, smaller native species are emerging and a once barren landscape now supports a rich diversity of life.

Each of the sheoaks, peppermint box and other plants featured in this story started their life as a seed — carefully harvested, processed and stored in our Seed Bank. They then travelled safely in a Tree Scheme grower pack to dedicated volunteer growers who nurtured them into healthy seedlings in their backyard before providing them to the Crisp family for planting, often with the help of the local Girl Guides and family and friends.

As this story demonstrates, the work we are all committed to is long term, involves constant adaption, and requires us to make the most of well-timed rainfall.

We invite you to read about the adventures of Daniel, our Seed Bank

Manager, as he travels far and wide across South Australia to make the most of an abundance of native seed over the past few months. Thank you to everyone who contributed to our ‘Season of Seed’ Christmas appeal — it was a tremendous response.

Visitors to Trees For Life are fascinated by our Seed Bank which is home to over 435 species of native seedlings, from 42 provenance zones across our state. Just as people easily forget where our food actually comes from, the vital importance of seed in revegetation efforts isn’t fully comprehended by many. That is why Trees For Life must continue to raise awareness about how native seed is an essential resource in our efforts to restore nature.

Thank you also to everyone who participated in our Supporter Survey. We really appreciate your considered reflections and feedback and have provided a snapshot of the findings with this edition of ReLeaf (and available under 'What's Happening' on our website).

We hope you enjoy the changing season and look forward to a good revegetation and bushcare season over the coming months. 