ReLeaf Autumn 2020

f a e ReL TAKE ACTION FOR THE LAND YOU LOVE A Trees For Life Publication AUTUMN 2020 ISSUE 153

THE ROAD TO RECOVERY

MAKING A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE

FROM HEARTBREAK TO HOPE

O E C d n a t n e id s e r our P

Jeanette Gellard President

CONTACT US

IN THIS ISSUE… 2

THE ROAD TO RECOVERY

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FROM HEARTBREAK TO HOPE

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STAYING STRONG

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MAKING A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE

10 A SAFE HAVEN 13 Trees For Life News 14 What’s on at Trees For Life 15 In the spotlight: Epicormic Growth

Indigenous Australians have sustainably managed our landscapes and wildlife for tens of thousands of years.

Trees For Life acknowledges and respects the Traditional Custodians of our Country and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

We also acknowledge and respect the deep spiritual connection and relationship that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to Country.

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ReLeaf is a production of Trees For Life Editor: Sam Catford Email: samc@treesforlife.org.au Printing: Finsbury Green 100% Recycled Carbon Neutral IS014001 Environment Management Systems Cover Photo: Opal with golden wattle seedling (Acacia pycnantha) by Claire Bowman.

Trees For Life 5 May Tce, Brooklyn Park 5032 P: 08 8406 0500 E: info@treesforlife.org.au W: treesforlife.org.au

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s we begin the recovery following this season’s catastrophic fires, I’m grateful to be part of this resilient and courageous community of South Australians. While we band together to support communities that have lost lives and livelihoods, we’re also taking stock of the damage to millions of hectares of land — carefully protected bushland, farmland and centuries-old paddock trees, nature reserves — and our unique animal species.

Our vision is to support the natural regeneration of the land by engaging and empowering local communities. This has always been our core mission and we continue now with renewed determination. We have the established capacity, skills, infrastructure and volunteer links to be able to take action, now and in the long term.

Our bushland has evolved with fire and is amazingly resilient. In nearly 40 years of operation we’ve learnt how best to help the land recover after bushfire. Now we’re using those decades of experience to do what we do best: collect seed, grow seedlings, manage supply distribution, plant thousands of seedlings and mobilise our community to support people and ecosystems across the state.

In the short term we’ll grow thousands of seedlings in our nursery to give away to people in the fire-affected areas, and we'll help volunteers grow many thousands more. With the help of our supporters we’ll also provide subsidies for fireaffected landholders on seedlings purchased through our Tree Scheme in the coming years.

Meanwhile, we’re assessing the damage to both old and new paddock trees and will begin the process of replacing those that haven’t survived.

In the longer term, our plan will see our volunteers undertake bushcare on burnt sites for many years to come.

Continued bushcare on unburnt sites will also ensure a safe refuge for animals and act as a genetic storehouse for native plant species.

In other words, in the aftermath of these catastrophic events we’ll continue to do what we’ve always done; care for our landscapes with the help of dedicated people, like you, who love our land.

The response from our donors, members and volunteers following this devastating fire season has been overwhelming and we’re heartened by everyone offering what they can to help. This support is essential – our mission and vision are now more important than ever.

Our bushfire recovery plan has already begun and will continue for many years. The road to recovery is long, and the effects of this fire season will be felt into the next decade and beyond. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the dedication of our volunteers and the knowledge of our staff, we’re able to stay in it for the long haul. Together, we will help our home recover.  Natasha Davis CEO

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hat a challenging start to 2020 it has been for so many Australian families, businesses, communities and our environment. As fires swept through a third of Kangaroo Island in January, my family home and property came under threat. The Gum Creek fire was contained just 400 metres from our house. Many in our community were not so lucky, and the effects will be felt for years to come.

The impact on native vegetation and wildlife habitat along our roadsides and across the landscape has been devastating, not only on Kangaroo Island but also in the Adelaide Hills, the South East, Yorke Peninsula and in the eastern states.

The response from our Trees For Life family has been swift with heartfelt offers of support, both financial and practical, coming through. Our leadership and staff teams have also

responded quickly and strategically, contributing our expertise and passion to key conversations at national, state and local levels to inform recovery plans.

As bushfires impact many areas of rural and regional Australia, the words response, recovery and resilience are frequently heard. We know from experience that recovery will take time, and building resilience into our landscapes will also be a long process.

For nearly 40 years we’ve worked with our community to protect, restore and recover South Australian landscapes and species, and we are ideally placed to make an impactful contribution to bushfire recovery across the state. I invite you to be involved in the journey that lies ahead. 

Na ta

THE ROAD TO RECOVERY

MESSAGES FROM

BELOW: Our staff survey the fire damage with the owners of a private Bush For Life site at Cudlee Creek.

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FROM HEARTBREAK TO HOPE Amelia Hurren Program Manager – Bush For Life

LEFT: Grass tree (Xanthorrhoea semiplana).

ABOVE: Amelia Hurren tours the fire ground

with Trees For Life staff and the owners of a private Bush For Life site in Cudlee Creek.

BOTTOM LEFT: The fire scar at Cudlee Creek

with one of the anicient trees that succumbed to the fire.

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ike many Adelaide Hills residents, I watched the Cudlee Creek fire with horror as it raged, seemingly unstoppable, through tinder dry forests and paddocks. Some friends were evacuated, others fought the fires on CFS crews. Our bags were packed and our Bushfire Action Plan was enacted as the heat and catastrophic conditions continued for days on end. While the fire is now officially out, the recovery will take many years as people and communities come to terms with the loss of lives, houses and property, and the changed landscape.

The impact on Trees For Life from the Cudlee Creek fire has been significant. Staff and volunteers have been directly affected, and around 400 of our newly planted paddock trees, four Bush For Life sites and many areas revegetated through our Tree Scheme were burnt.

On 14 January, with local staff, volunteers and landholders, I toured

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the fire ground. We visited the burnt Bush For Life sites and drove past blackened Paddock Tree Project and Tree Scheme properties. I was struck initially by the scale of the fire scar and the vast area burnt. The fire did not discriminate, taking out everything in its path: pine forest, bushland, vineyards, gardens and grazed paddocks. The intensity of the fire was clear at Lobethal Bushland Park; what was once a diverse patch of bush resembled a deciduous forest in winter, with no life evident. The smell was also intense – a medley of smoke, charred vegetation and, sadly, dead animals filled our nostrils. The silence at this site, once filled with bird-song and the rustle of skinks, was a powerful reminder of the impact of the bushfire on wildlife. The gentle flutter of dead leaves dropping onto the ground was the only movement to be seen.

Perhaps the most difficult part of the day for me was seeing the massive, centuries-old trees

succumbing to the fire. These trees would normally withstand a blaze, and thankfully some did, but others simply burnt out from within and collapsed.

The combination of a long dry period followed by intense fire left these trees vulnerable, and with their demise comes the loss of hollows and habitat for a range of animals that called them home. We will replant trees but it will be hundreds of years before they provide this habitat again.

Despite the sadness and loss, there is hope.

Native bushland is adapted to fire, and many plants will regenerate, given time and help. The landholders and volunteers we met are philosophical and optimistic. Most importantly, we're a community of people who will support each other and take action for the land we love, because we know the importance of our precious natural world. 

Despite the sadness and loss, there is hope…

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STAYING STRONG Elisha Brunton Project Officer – Paddock Tree Project

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was honoured to be tasked with calling the people affected by the recent Cudlee Creek fires who are part of our Paddock Tree Project. There are potentially 430 seedlings that will need replacing. This number seems like a drop in the ocean compared to the overall loss of flora, but with so many old growth paddock trees now being reported lost, these newly established seedlings are more important than ever. People on the land mourn the loss of these weathered landmarks. One landholder, who lost up to eight old paddock trees, described the loss as “the most devastating thing.”

Another may have lost over a hundred paddock trees. “Of the 156 we have, I am unable to tell you if any will survive.”

Although the task was daunting, I felt privileged to be nominated to represent our organisation and offer our support in a time of hardship. The nervousness I felt about making these difficult calls was nothing compared to what these Adelaide Hills residents have recently been through. I was very aware that revegetation may not be the first thought for someone who has been surrounded by so much

ABOVE: A river red gum (Eucalyptus

camaldulensis) paddock tree that survived the fire.

RIGHT: A burnt Paddock Tree Project property in Harrogate.

FAR RIGHT: A young drooping sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillata) secured in a wire mesh guard planted as part of the Paddock Tree Project.

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loss of property, homes, stock, wildlife and even human life. But all of the people I've had contact with in the last month have been very generous with their time and appreciated the call. They have been both realistic and optimistic about the resilient and diverse nature of natural regeneration.

Hopeful is definitely how I would summarise what I have heard from our community so far.

“My house only got a little bit burnt, but it’ll be okay…”

“118 acres was completely burnt but we were one of the lucky ones, with our shed [and] house saved.”

“The trees have only been singed, I am hopeful they will bounce back.”

“A couple of days after the fire, we ventured out to Woodside and on the way there we saw the extent of the devastation, including homes lost – particularly that of our friends and neighbours only just down the road. That trip put everything in perspective and made us realise just how fortunate we were … “ “My slogan since the fires is 'green is the new black!' Some of our 60-odd burnt fruit trees are showing signs of a comeback ...”

We won't know the extent of the fire damage on these paddock trees until April, when we'll undertake thorough surveys of each property, assessing which trees have re-sprouted and which will need replacing. There's a real possibility there may be a good survival rate, but we've already begun growing species in anticipation of replanting this winter. We also hope to have funding to offer other fireaffected landholders new guarded paddock trees in the near future. 

1) Stagonopleura guttata 2) Climacteris picumnus 3) Psephotus haematonotus 4) Acanthiza spp. 5) Petroica spp.

ABOUT THE PADDOCK TREE PROJECT

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addock trees — the beautiful old trees scattered across grazing land throughout South Australia — provide essential native habitat and benefits to farmland. Our Paddock Tree Project is establishing the next generation of these iconic trees.

Since 2016 we’ve planted over 16,000 scattered eucalypts, sheoaks, acacias and callitris across nearly 12,000 hectares. The project sees conservation and agriculture work hand-in-hand to achieve better outcomes for South Australian landscapes and producers and is funded by the Adelaide & Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board.

Newly planted paddock trees are carefully guarded with strong wire mesh to protect them from grazing stock. This means grazing can continue with no negative impact.

The positive impact in the longterm, however, is significant.

These iconic trees are the critical habitat of threatened woodland birds like the diamond firetail1, brown tree creeper2, red-rumped 6

parrot3, and species of thornbills4 and robins5. The decline of SA’s woodland birds in the last decade coincides with the decline in old paddock trees. Some of these species have completely disappeared from their historic habitats in the Adelaide Hills and rely on paddock trees to provide shelter and foraging grounds.

The trees also benefit producers by providing shade and shelter for stock, improving soil conditions and increasing insect diversity.

Surveys show that the managers of all 70 properties where we’ve planted paddock trees believe the project has allowed them to achieve biodiversity outcomes alongside agricultural outcomes.

While we replace paddock trees damaged in the fires, we continue to look towards the future. Interest from nearly 300 landholders in the first years of the project has shown that people on the land are eager to see these special landmarks re-established across the state, and we hope to plant many, many more paddock trees in the years to come. 

HOW YOUR DONATION IS MAKING AN IMPACT

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ur plan for Bushfire Recovery is to mobilise the community to support people and ecosystems impacted across the state. We'll build on our established programs and networks to provide seedlings for restoration and undertake targeted action for damaged landscapes.

When you donate, you’re supporting our Bushfire Recovery efforts. This means your donation will be used to best meet the needs of fire-affected areas in South Australia, including: Growing native seedlings to provide food and habitat Providing tree guards and stakes to protect seedlings Bushcare in fire-affected regions Seed collecting Planting events on fire-affected properties in winter 2020 Training volunteers to look after our remaining fragments of bushland.

Your gift will enable us to direct our efforts where they are most needed. As we learn more about the true impact of the fires, we’ll review our priorities to ensure our actions will be effective for the long-term recovery of our home.

With your support we'll continue our work in fireaffected areas across South Australia in the Adelaide Hills, Yorke Peninsula, the South East and Kangaroo Island. 

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MAKING A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE

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ow, more than ever, we're reminded there's no place like home.

People from all over the world have reached out to us with compassion and concern for the welfare of all who have been affected by the bushfires.

They feel a connection to our country, the bushland and our native animals – our home. They are our extended family.

And just like a family member, they want to know how they can help when you're in trouble.

A pre-dawn phone call made from Northern France to make a gift, an email from a group in San Diego eager to fundraise, a message of support from a business in London.

These actions represent more than a donation. They show a desire to find a solution, to alleviate suffering and to have a lasting impact.

This message of support from a family in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany arrived via email: “The last few months me and my friends [sic] watched the sad news on TV every day and we felt a little helpless because we couldn't help from overseas with our own hands ... The devastation of your beautiful country and the loss of so many animals and plants is horrible and we really feel for Australia. We decided to collect some money to donate it to you because you're doing such a great and important job and we at least want to support that and assist a little.

Thank you very much for your help, stay strong and keep fighting.”

Another donor in Oklahoma, USA, said, “I have raised a few funds to support recovering from the horrific bushfires you all have experienced.

I wanted to help Australia heal from this terrible event.”

You can donate now to help our precious home recover at treesforlife.org.au.

We’ve also received support from closer to home in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and Queensland. In South Australia, hundreds of people have come together to help us raise much needed funds to get our communities and landscapes back on their feet. 

DONATE

We still need funds urgently to support our ongoing Bushfire Recovery efforts.

One of the best ways you can make a difference right now is to donate vital funds that can help us grow seedlings, support landholders and help the land recover.

TOP FROM LEFT: Hundreds of people have

registered to help with planting events on fireaffected properties in winter 2020.

Seedlings growing at our Westwood Nursery.

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HOW YOU CAN HELP BECOME A

GROW SEEDLINGS

BUSHCARER

We’re calling on you for our 2020/21 volunteer growing season. Register your interest now and we’ll contact you in July 2020 with more information about how you can raise native seedlings to help property owners restore their land.

Build your skills ready for upcoming Bushfire Recovery activities by joining a Bushcare Workshop or Bush Action Team. Joining now will help restore and protect the remaining fragments of bushland that provide food and safe homes for our native wildlife.

Visit treesforlife.org.au for more information.

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PLANT NATIVES

People on fire-affected properties and managers of damaged reserves will need our support in the winter 2020 planting season to get thousands of seedlings in the ground. Register your interest and we’ll call on you once planting events are organised.

A TRIBUTE TO RON SELTH

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e bid a sad farewell to Ron Selth, who died in tragic circumstances on 20 December 2019 while defending his home in the Adelaide Hills from the Cudlee Creek fire.

Ron joined Trees For Life in January 1990 and has been a member ever since. Between 1994 and 2013 Ron planted nearly 5,000 native seedlings through our Tree Scheme in the Adelaide Hills. In 2011 he was awarded a Gold Membership for 20 years of involvement.

At Ron’s funeral in January his family requested donations be made to Trees For Life in lieu of flowers, honouring his long term commitment to the land he loved.

We thank Ron for 30 years of membership and his dedicated work getting native plants in the ground.

Thank you also to his loving family and friends who donated in Ron’s name to help us restore South Australian landscapes in his memory. 

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS

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any thanks to all those who gave a gift in our Come Home for Christmas fundraising appeal. When we began our Christmas appeal in December, in preparation for another year of action in 2020, we could not have foreseen how vitally important our mission to restore homes for native creatures would become. With a catastrophic summer of fires, there is an even greater need to protect the remaining habitat for our wildlife. The money raised over Christmas will help us to collect and sow seed, grow native plants to restore habitat, create wildlife corridors and clear invasive threats. All of these activities restore essential homes and food sources for native animals.

A special thank you to Saab Australia, whose generous Christmas gift will help us support native land regeneration this year. 

IMAGE: Short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus

aculeatus) by Neil Edwards.

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A SAFE HAVEN Claire Bowman

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he first thing I notice when I arrive at Norton Summit is the racket of the yellowtailed black-cockatoos1. Their screeching cries rise above everything else and their dark silhouettes flash against the blue January sky as they move between the highest branches of tall eucalypts.

I follow Elisabeth Cannan, a representative from the Morialta Biolink Landcare Group, down from the road into the cool dappled shade of a dry creek bed. At 9:30am it’s already warming up, but the greenery around the creek takes the edge off the heat. Lis is showing me a site on the long strip of land between Morialta Conservation Park and Cherryville where volunteers are planting native trees and shrubs grown by our Tree Scheme.

As I become accustomed to the squawking of the cockies, I notice other species. The whistles and songs of so many birds add a soft undertone to the morning noise. Down in the creek bed we’re shaded by a canopy of huge eucalypts and the native pine2, wattle3 and tea tree4 that grow beneath them. The air is live with insects and I’m well aware there are many other animals living here that don’t announce their presence as loudly as some of the more rowdy birds.

“It’s a beautiful spot,” says Lis. She’s been a member of the Morialta Biolink Landcare Group since it began as the Friends of Moores Road a decade ago. Because of the dry summer, she had her doubts about how healthy this season’s seedlings would be. “I was thinking they might actually not be looking good,” she tells me.

“We’ve just had no rain.” Her own property nearby has recorded just two millimetres of rainfall recently. We’re both pleased to see the seedlings are looking quite healthy and most species are growing full and green above the top of their guards.

IMAGE: Elisabeth Cannan inspects

the Tree Scheme seedlings planted at Norton Summit last winter.

Like many landcare groups, the Morialta Biolink Landcare Group are very much at the mercy of the weather. This is not the first time they've been worried about seedlings.

Lis recalls a year when they had the opposite problem. “Six or seven years ago we had a planting and it was really, really wet, and then we just had a flood come through … we haven’t had a lot survive. See that silky teatree5 down there?” she points down the gully to where a healthy looking 10

tea tree stands, its topmost branches taller than head height. “It would have looked spectacular if most of it hadn’t just been flooded out — because that’s from that planting. But very few survived.” I find it hard in the dryness of summer to imagine a flood here.

Despite that setback, the site has made incredible progress since the group began their work. “The last two years … it’s surprising how much natural regeneration there’s been,” Lis tells me. That’s mostly thanks to

the efforts of volunteers getting out and weeding, allowing space for the natives to flourish. “For five years we’ve been really hitting the weeds, trying to get [them] before we replanted.”

She admits they’re lucky — the site is looking particularly good given the challenging weather. “I think one of the other reasons we have a reasonable amount of success is the shade,” she says, her eyes moving to the huge, old growth eucalyptus trees that shade the creek and provide knots and hollows for the resident cockatoos.

“There [aren’t] a lot of these dalrympleana stands like this around anymore,” Lis tells me. “Our president, Kieran Brewer, he was just telling me this morning that he had a stand of them over at Lobethal.” She pauses.

“Fire went through.”

It’s a sobering moment in our largely positive conversation. The density of the bush and the richness of birdsong here make it easy to forget the devastation that's happening, even as we speak, in other areas with just as much biodiversity to offer. Like other burnt bushland areas, some of the candlebarks6 in Lobethal will likely begin to regenerate. However, it will be many, many years before the stand reaches its former strength.

The towering eucalypts aren’t the only species worth preserving here.

This biolink, which Lis’s group is fighting hard to protect, is a refuge for many species of plants and animals that are unique or at risk. We inspect the new plants grown by Trees For Life volunteer Sandra Harris. We pass small tea trees and eucalyptus, noticing where kangaroos have nibbled at

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the fresh foliage of the red-fruit cutting-grass7 and the trailing native lilac8 climber.

Tucked in the tree guard of a hop goodenia9 I find a tiny frog. Its damp amphibian skin seems almost unbelievable when I know that fewer than 20 kilometres away, in Cudlee Creek, fire has completely devastated the dry landscape.

We carry on through the site, stopping occasionally so I can snap pictures of the flighty cockies and the little seedlings in their new home. I can tell Lis is pleased by how much I’m enjoying my visit to the site that has featured in her life for a full decade. She tells me it’s too easy to get complacent about the beauty and only see the weeds when you spend so much time looking out for them.

However, she shares with me the small joys of nature she experiences living out here. “I’ve got natural xanthorrhoeas all around … I’ve got banksias and leptospermums … and [the cockatoos] come in, and I haven’t had to prune this year!”

“I wake up in the morning to tap, tap, tap on my window from the blue wrens … I think there’s little bugs that come in on the glass … at certain times of the year the red robins come in as well.”

The biodiversity I see in my brief visit to Norton Summit is testament to the work the volunteers are doing here, and reinforces the benefits of weed control and replanting natives.

These carefully tended bush corridors are vitally important, not only to the species that use them to move between larger refuge areas, but also as a way to conserve the diversity that characterises the Adelaide Hills and so many other regions of Australia.

Clearance has created fragmented territories for many native animals and genetic isolation in some plant species; links like this are essential for effective conservation.

Connecting our valuable remnant bushland remains the primary goal of the Morialta Biolink Landcare Group,

and I can see the passion with which they work during my time with Lis. I can also understand why they’re so passionate about this special patch of the hills.

After Lis leaves, as I wander back through the creek, I don’t feel alone; this place is rich with life.

Right where the gentle slope takes me up and out of the creek, a movement draws my gaze upwards.

The sleepy eyes of a koala blink slowly at me before being tucked back behind furry paws. Despite the fires still burning across the country, and despite the sadness that lingers on the periphery of time I spend in the threatened natural world, I’m suddenly overwhelmed with hope. All over the country, people just like Lis are out in the bush, tackling weeds, planting trees, restoring lanscapes and creating a home for our unique and charismatic creatures. We have a long journey and a tough recovery ahead, but every little patch like this we can protect brings us one step closer to a world in balance.  Our Tree Scheme order season opens 1 May 2020. For more information see page 13 or visit treesforlife.org.au/tree-scheme.

1) Calyptorhynchus funereus 2) Callitris gracilis 3) Acacia melanoxylon 4) Leptospermum continentale 5) Leptospermum lanigerum 6) Eucalyptus dalrympleana 7) Gahnia sieberiana 8) Hardenbergia violacea 9) Goodenia ovata

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FAR LEFT: A koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

snoozes in a tall eucalyptus.

RIGHT FROM TOP: A yellow-tailed black-

cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus) in flight.

A southern brown tree frog (Litoria ewingii) inside a tree guard.

IMAGE: Welcome to our new Westwood

Nursery Manager, Flora Holton.

MAY GARDEN PLANT SALE

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ative gardens are a beautiful and simple way to bring the bush closer to home. Whether you’re interested in growing native food plants, nurturing beautiful flowers or creating an oasis for butterflies and bees, you’ll be able to find the perfect fit for your garden from our wide range of natives at our May sale.

We’ll have plants suitable for larger properties, perfect for those who missed out on last Tree Scheme order season or to top up your order. Members can buy plants at discounted rates. Become a member on the day to take advantage of the discount.

Join us between 9am and 1pm on 28, 29 and 30 May at Westwood Nursery, on the corner of Sir Donald Bradman Drive and May Terrace, Brooklyn Park. Popular plants sell out quickly so get in early to get the perfect species for your project. 

WELCOME FLORA

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e’re delighted to welcome Flora Holton to the team as Westwood Nursery Manager. Flora’s passion for environmental work was born of volunteering with Trees For Life, Conservation Volunteers Australia and Greening Australia. She has worked in native plant nurseries and environmental services for twelve years across not-for-profit, industry and government sectors. Flora is the perfect fit to work alongside our volunteers and propagate seedlings for environmental projects across the state. Flora is stepping in for Brett Oakes, who is off on a new adventure in Brisbane. If you're a volunteer grower, Writer’s Week fan or native plant enthusiast, Brett would have left an impression. We thank Brett for his passion, energy and knowledge and wish him every success in his new adventure. 

TREE SCHEME GROWERS: NEED BACK-UP?

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y now you should have a pretty good idea of how many seedlings you’ll have ready to turn over to your landholder in May. If you need more seedlings to meet their order, we’ve got you covered. Back-up seedlings will be ready to collect from Westwood Nursery from 1-3 May. If you’re growing for a landholder you need to ensure you fulfil their entire order, and it can be useful to discuss suitable replacement stock with them before you collect. If you’re growing for your own project, please note not all grow-your-own species are available as back-up. However, in every case we’ll do our best to find the best replacement species for your needs. 

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WHAT’S HAPPENING AT TREES FOR LIFE

WHATS ON

BUSH FOR LIFE EVENTS

Stepping Stones into Nature – Twilight 13 March Nature Walk, Laratinga Wetlands, Mt Barker

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer on one of our Bush For Life sites, or would like to learn more about managing your own bushland, come along to a Bushcare Workshop. Workshops are free for members.

Stepping Stones into Nature – Day in Nature, Meldanda Nature Reserve, Cambrai

17 March

Stepping Stones into Nature – Twilight Nature Walk, Swanport Wetlands, Murray Bridge

27 March

TREES FOR LIFE LOTTERY

Nature in the Suburbs – Burnside Village, Nature Walk

23 April

Our autumn edition of ReLeaf usually heralds our lottery fundraiser. This year, we won’t be holding a lottery draw; we’re focusing every ounce of our energy and attention on Bushfire Recovery programs and getting communities back on their feet as quickly as possible.

Instead of buying a ticket, please consider supporting our fundraising campaign in March/ April to raise money to grow 10,000 seedlings for fire-affected areas of South Australia.

Nature in the Suburbs – Burnside Village, Garden Workshop: planting for native bees and butterflies

14 May

NATIONAL TREE DAY Across Australia, National Tree Day calls us all to take action and appreciate trees in all their forms.

This year we’ll celebrate Schools Tree Day on 31 July and National Tree Day on 2 August. We offer discounts for organisations that register their National Tree Day event on the Planet Ark National Tree Day website.

BUSHCARE WORKSHOPS Kersbrook

4 April

St Agnes

29 April

Eden Hills

16 May

Elizabeth

12 June

Marino

30 June

ADVANCED WORKSHOPS Broadleaf and Bulb Weed Control in Grassy Ecosystems Workshop

TREE SCHEME AND NURSERY

20 June

Back‑up In: Volunteers deliver back‑up seedlings to Westwood Nursery

20 – 22 March

Cockatoo Habitat Project – South East Field Day, Lucindale

20 – 21 March

Tree Scheme orders open

1 May

The location of the summer activities is decided each week according to the weather forecast.

Register your interest for more information.

Back‑up Out: back‑up seedlings available at Westwood Nursery

1 – 3 May

Location TBA

Wednesday 11 March

Location TBA

Saturday 14 March

Native Garden Plant Sale

28 – 30 May

Location TBA

Wednesday 18 March

Location TBA

Wednesday 25 March

Location TBA

Saturday 28 March

SUMMER BUSH ACTION TEAM DAYS

THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS…

BUSH ACTION TEAM DAYS Coromandel Valley

Thu 2 April

Victor Harbor Fri 22 May

Craigburn Farm

Sat 4 April

Echunga

Tue 26 May

Cherry Gardens

Wed 8 April

Wattle park

Thu 28 May

TREE SCHEME ORDERS OPEN 1 MAY

Jupiter Creek

Tue 14 April

Springfield

Sat 30 May

Tree Scheme plants grown over summer are now almost ready to go in the ground and we’re getting ready to start all over again. From restoring fire damaged properties to creating windbreaks, shelter belts and firebreaks; from attracting pollinators to managing soil erosion and creating vital homes for native animals, these trees and shrubs will provide amazing benefits for landscapes across South Australia.

Please call 8406 0500 for more information or visit treesforlife.org. au/tree-scheme.

Chain of Ponds

Thu 16 April

Flagstaff Hill Wed 3 June

Bibaringa

Sat 18 April

Sandergrove Frid 5 June

Greenhill

Wed 22 April

Echunga

TBC

Fri 24 April

Williamstown Thu 11 June

Lonsdale

Tue 28 April

Panorama

Tea Tree Gully

Thu 30 April

Banksia Park Wed 17 June

Tanunda

Tue 12 May

Port Noarlunga

Tue 23 June

Bibaringa

Thu 14 May

Waitpinga

Thu 25 June

Cherry Gardens

Sat 16 May

Aldgate

Sat 27 June

Lonsdale

Wed 20 May

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Tue 9 June

Sat 13 June

In the spotlight

EPICORMIC GROWTH Under the bark of many iconic Australian eucalypts, small buds lie in wait for their moment to emerge.

Normally these dormant epicormic buds are suppressed by hormones from the live shoots growing at the tree’s crown. But when the tree’s branches are damaged, epicormic buds begin their work.

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Now, from beneath the blackened skin of many bushfire ravaged trees across the country, small shoots are already emerging. Despite their singed skin and scarred boughs, the trees have survived and are eager to send new growth towards the light and continue photosynthesis. These tender buds are the first hopeful signs of something we know for sure: our resilient bushland is poised for recovery. 

he Australian bush has adapted to fire, perhaps better than any other environment on earth.

Some of our indigenous seeds need fire to germinate; other species contain resins that don’t burn easily or have thick bark that can withstand some burning; others have developed epicormic buds deep beneath their bark, ready to appear when the fire has passed.

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