ReLeaf Winter 2020

STAY CONNECTED A Trees For Life Publication WINTER 2020 ISSUE 154

GROWING COMMUNITY

WILDLIFE CORRIDORS A VITAL CONNECTION

RIDING FOR THE LAND I LOVE

IMAGE: Diamond firetails (Stagonopleura guttata)

by Neil Edwards.

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MESSAGES FROM

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e all need connection – with each other and with our natural world. The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us a great deal about how healthy communities and a healthy planet are intimately connected.

While physical distancing restrictions have meant we’ve all had to make changes to how we live and work, we’ve also seen how these changes have strengthened our care for each other.

Amidst all the change and uncertainty we are learning to connect in new ways. Some parts of the world are witnessing how nature can bounce back when we reduce damaging activities. We’re also rejoicing in more people connecting with nature by finding sanctuary in gardens and parks.

Wildlife needs connection as much as people do. Plants and animals struggle to survive and thrive when their habitat shrinks and they can’t move safely through the landscape to find shelter and food.

Many parts of South Australia are still in the early days of recovering from the horrific bushfires that raged through the country last summer like a pandemic in our landscapes. They were a potent reminder about how vital it is that we act urgently to create buffers, linkages and sanctuaries for our precious native plants and animals.

All of us play a part in standing together to make our communities and landscapes strong and healthy.

We’re very grateful to be connecting and working with each of you to shape a future where nature and people can live and thrive together. 

Everything around us is connected. We're proud to support and strengthen the connections in our landscapes, which are essential for us and for our native plants and animals.

IN THIS ISSUE…

CONTACT US

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ReLeaf is a production of Trees For Life

STAY CONNECTED

Editor: Sam Catford Email: samc@treesforlife.org.au

4 WILDLIFE CORRIDORS 5

GROWING COMMUNITY

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RIDING FOR THE LAND I LOVE

Cover image: Tree martins by Neil Edwards photography.

Thanks to Neil for his generosity and ongoing support.

12 Our people 13 Trees For Life News 14 What’s on at Trees For Life

STAY CONNECTED

Printing: Finsbury Green 100% Recycled Carbon Neutral IS014001 Environment Management Systems 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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ithout these important links our native creatures struggle to survive. Their ability to move and interact freely across our landscapes is vital; they must find sanctuary to breed and to have safe access to food and water.

Unfortunately, widespread clearance of vegetation has fragmented the land and placed their future at risk. Native fauna population numbers continue to decline across South Australia.

We must provide safe passage for our wildlife communities by reconnecting our landscapes.

Our Direct Seeding program is helping to restore these natural connections by creating wildlife corridors.

15 In the spotlight: Malleefowl 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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DIRECT SEEDING AT WORK Our Direct Seeding Manager David Hein draws heavily on his many years of experience gained in South Australia. His intimate knowledge of soil types, native species, seed collection, weather patterns and weed control are all called into play. He can turn his hand to repair machinery on the run, drive tractors and all-terrain vehicles, and build and operate direct seeding machinery.

Our people are what makes the Direct Seeding program possible.

It takes trained volunteers and staff to help collect the bulk of 250 kilograms of seed during the summer and autumn months of each year. The seed is dried out in hothouses, then cleaned with specifically designed machinery and finally hand sieved.

Volunteers come from all walks of life, be it a scientist, a mining engineer, a retired police officer or an international wine marketer. All share

RIGHT: Direct Seeding Manager David Hein.

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a common connection with each other and with nature.

Direct seeding is hard work. David and his team are up early and ready to put in 10-12 hour days if need be.

Depending on the weather, each of them can seed up to 50 kilometres of rows a day, sowing 25 kilograms of seed.

Tired as they are at the end of a day of direct seeding, there's a sense of accomplishment that rewards their efforts. They know they’ve planted thousands of trees and shrubs to help shape the future of our landscapes. 

WILDLIFE CORRIDORS

IMAGE: Elegant parrot

(Neophema elegans).

A VITAL CONNECTION

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uch like us, nature must stay connected to thrive.

Wildlife corridors – the connections that link areas of native habitat – are essential for the health of our environment and the survival of our precious native species.

Why are they so important?

Wildlife corridors allow native animals to move through the landscape and find shelter, hunt, forage and seek opportunities to breed. They allow native plants to establish and insects to travel and help with pollination. This means

CONNECTED AND PROTECTED Since 2001, our Direct Seeding program has successfully restored 4,650 hectares of degraded landscapes.

But there is so much more to be done to provide safety and security for our native wildlife.

$35

can plant 10 trees to create habitat

$70

can provide equipment and vehicles for a day’s field work

$120

can collect 4 bags of native seed

$270

can help train and support a seed collection volunteer

$500

can fund 800 metres of direct seeding to create habitat

$1,500

can fund 2.4 kilometres of direct seeding to create wildlife corridors

Preparations are underway for planting this season and we need support PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING TODAY TO HELP OUR NATIVE ANIMALS STAY for the months of CONNECTED AND PROTECTED. hard work ahead.

greater genetic diversity and a stronger population, for both animals and the habitats that support them.

What do wildlife corridors look like?

Everything from roadside vegetation to paddock trees, from parklands and wetlands to suburban gardens can contribute to wildlife corridors if local native plants are able to thrive. Larger protected areas like national parks and Indigenous protected areas form important core habitat that can be linked by restored or maintained patches and ‘stepping stones’ like paddock trees.

GLOBAL FRIENDSHIP, LOCAL ACTION While we mourn for what was lost in this summer’s bushfires, we also celebrate the deep sense of connection that has emerged as our recovery begins. The united global response to the fires demonstrates the love that people all over the world feel for our unique native landscapes.

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he City of Amiens in northern France has made a significant financial contribution to our bushfire recovery effort, enabling us to plant thousands of seedlings and reinforcing a connection that has endured for over a century.

The history of Amiens has been linked with Australia since World War I. This region on the River Somme witnessed some of the most devastating and decisive battles of the Western Front. To this day, Australian forces are commemorated for their indispensable contribution. Australian troops were integral in defeating German forces at Villers-Bretonneaux, only 16 kilometres east of Amiens.

YOU CAN DONATE ON OUR WEBSITE OR BY CALLING 08 8406 0500.

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How do we create better wildlife corridors?

By planting a native garden or joining a bushcare team and protecting remnant native patches, we can help ensure safe passage for our native animals, insects and plants. We must keep invasive species in check and support biodiverse farming practices while protecting our remaining native landscapes – from bushlands to wetlands, mallee scrub, grasslands, deserts and coastlines. 

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The Australian National Memorial near Villers-Bretonneaux is the final resting place of more than 1,000 soldiers and commemorates nearly 11,000 Australians who fell in France with no known grave.

Today, Amiens is a lively and historic city with a strong environmental heritage. It’s one of France’s five greenest cities of 2020 according to the National Union of Landscape Enterprises (UNeP) and has a strong record of investment in natural heritage, nature promotion and policy to support biodiversity.

We’re incredibly grateful to Mayor Brigitte Fouré and the City of Amiens for reinforcing our historic connection through their generous support and helping us to restore our fire-affected landscapes. 

effectively keep 200 of the seedlings safe, Gerry was out of bathtubs.

Not one to quit, during their next evacuation he substituted two standup garbage bags, which he trimmed down to "baths" for the remaining boxes of seedlings.

Yet again, they returned to find their home safe and their seedlings hale and hearty. It was late evening by the time they finished the drive back from their daughter’s house in Adelaide, but the time didn’t stop Gerry carrying

GROWING COMMUNITY

Margaret, who takes on the laborious task of filling soft tubes with soil, also sees the broader implications of a green landscape. "If we look after our ecology, reforest and replant burnt out vegetation, we improve the habitat for all life. We all have a part to play in that process. We must look after the small, weak and defenceless every bit as much as the large, the grand and the magnificent. This is an interdependent world we live in and we had better not forget it."

Since 2008, Gerry and Margaret have spent many summers filling, sowing and watering. Their efforts have helped put thousands of native plants in the ground. One of the best rewards for them is knowing that someone on the land will enjoy the plants in their final home.

"Margaret and I like to think that the little seedlings we hand over will end up providing the landholder with the pleasure of seeing them grow."

This year their well-loved seedlings will find a final home in the Clare Valley. 

We must look after the small, weak and defenceless every bit as much as the large, the grand and the magnificent.

The people who become part of our Tree Scheme family – volunteer growers, depot managers and the committed people planting on the land – come from all over South Australia and all walks of life. They’re farmers, teachers, chefs, bankers, students, parents, friends, neighbours, retirees and kids. They all have at least one thing in common: a determination to make a difference for our unique South Australian plants and animals. This shared goal unites neighbours, fosters creativity, engages new generations and stokes the love of nature that lives in us all.

TOP: Seedling reaching for the sun.

OPPOSITE: The 'Cumberland Crew' with Sophie Thomson, Gardening Australia crew and former Tree Scheme Liaison Officer Jennie Howe.

THE GREAT BATHTUB RESCUE Claire Bowman

G

rowing for the Tree Scheme is a responsibility our volunteers don’t take lightly. Long-term members Gerry and Margaret know this responsibility well. At the end of 2019, as the mercury started to climb and catastrophic fire danger threatened their home at Eudunda, their commitment to grow native plants for a landholder saw them going above and beyond to keep their seedlings safe.

Early in the season, Margaret and Gerry had made the decision to evacuate to Adelaide on catastrophic fire danger days. By the time a catastrophic rating rolled around, they’d already sown and begun tending 200 seedlings. The tiny wattles, sheoaks and tea trees were vulnerable, needing water three or four times a day in the intense heat.

As they prepared to head south, there was one obvious thing they couldn’t pack in their overnight bags – those 200 tiny trees.

Gerry was determined that the seedlings would survive and become part of the South Australian landscape. He and Margaret have 5

lived in various places around the state, and have seen first-hand the difference native plants can make.

"It always struck us that the rural properties where boundary planting was a feature of the paddocks looked more protected and attractive while providing corridors for birds and wildlife, windbreaks to reduce soil erosion in high wind and places of shade and protection for stock," says Gerry.

So, before leaving, Gerry ran several inches of cold water into the bath, which is just big enough to hold 100 of the seedlings. He lugged the remaining boxes of seedlings to their other property, where a second filled bathtub kept them hydrated while November heat records were broken across the state.

Once the danger had passed, they returned to find all the seedlings looking perfectly healthy. However, they still had another 300 seedlings due to be sown throughout December, with a hot summer ahead.

Weeks after their bathtub rescue, the temperature soared again. This time they had a total of 300 seedlings growing. Although he knew he could

each box of precious native seedlings outside to drain off overnight, ready to catch the morning sun.

While not every growing season offers quite as many complications, there are always challenges involved.

A lot of energy, both physical and emotional, is invested in nurturing seedlings. But for Gerry and Margaret, the outcome is well worth the effort.

Already a gardener, Gerry says, "In our own yard we try to keep the lawns alive and water the trees so that the temperature inside the house is kept more comfortable and reduces our dependence on air conditioning."

He sees the Tree Scheme as a way to implement this approach beyond their own patch and contribute to a greener, cooler planet. "We are firm believers in the value of vegetation as a means of reducing ambient temperatures through transpiration."

This is an interdependent world we live in and we had better not forget it.

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EVERYBODY NEEDS GOOD NEIGHBOURS Tania Kearney

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eet Nick and Sue, Jasmin and Patrick and Laura, Joolz and Scooby.

And Tilly.

They all live on the same street in Cumberland Park.

For each of them, there’s a sense of contentment, or feeling of "giving back", for around six months of the year. That’s because they’re growing native seedlings under our Tree Scheme program.

Between them, these neighbours have grown about 14,000 seedlings over a combined timeframe of 33 years.

Nick and Sue were the first to enter into the Trees For Life volunteering foray, joining in 2001.

Nick estimates they’ve grown more than 7,000 seedlings for several landholders over the years. In recent years they’ve helped plant seedlings on their landholder’s property on the Bremer River in the Mt Lofty Ranges.

“It’s been rewarding to be able to see the seedlings become established on the property,” Nick said.

Jasmin and Jake took up growing in 2010 after hearing about Nick and Sue’s experiences. They have grown every year since, racking up 3,800 seedlings.

“We have grown for back-up three times and landholders subsequently,” Jasmin said.

“There is a great sense of satisfaction growing for a landholder and knowing what region our babies will be heading to. Meeting the landholders is wonderful … [they] are always grateful and generous.”

Last year Jasmin and Jake and Joolz and Scoob grew for the same landholders in Inman Valley and at the end of the growing season, were invited for lunch and a tour of the property.

“We returned with sheep and cow bones that our children have gotten good use out of at show and tell at school!” Jasmin said.

Jake immerses himself in growing and trouble-shooting any problems that arise.

“It’s a welcome distraction from the business of work-life, plus the general feelings of happiness, of contributing to the environment.”

And while Jasmin admits filling “endless tubes” is her least favourite part of the process, sitting out the back on a warm summer’s night with a glass of red wine and listening to

Grandstand’s coverage of the cricket makes it much more bearable!

Scooby and Joolz also joined the crew in 2010, both having loved nature from a young age.

They have grown more than 3,400 seedlings for the Million Trees Project, Clare Council and landholders in Echunga, Normanville, Burra and this year, Mannum.

“We love it,” Joolz said. “It is such a wonderful feeling knowing that you are making a difference and giving back to the community. We get more out of it than we give!”

Their tips for would-be volunteer growers include attending a grower workshop, get tubes filled early and shade cloth set up ready for the boxes once the seeds are planted.

They recommend encouraging other helpers, such as kids. This season Joolz and Scoob enlisted the help of 10-yearold park ranger-wannabe, Tilly, from across the road who has filled tubes, sown seeds and helps water them.

“Our children Patrick, 8 ½, and Laura, 6, have helped fill tubes over the years and it would be great to see

BELOW: Sophie Thomson talks with aspiring park ranger Tilly about joining her neighbours' growing effort.

OPPOSITE: Native trees grown in Cumberland Park thrive after two years in the ground at Inman Valley.

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them take more of an interest in the future, as we see ourselves growing for Trees For Life for many years to come,” Jasmin said.

And even though they’re all very polite and sharing and caring when it comes to each others’ seedlings – and Nick admits his neighbours are “very skilled growers” – he reckons (just quietly), his and Sue’s seedlings continue to lead the way! 

OUR VOLUNTEERS IN THE NATIONAL LIMELIGHT In 2019, Gardening Australia got word that our ‘Cumberland Crew’ was doing important conservation work, raising a new generation of native seedlings, from their own backyards. Sophie Thomson interviewed these dedicated volunteers about their experience growing for the Tree Scheme. Their story received a great reaction from all over Australia. Watch the Growing Community story on our YouTube channel - Trees For Life Inc. Read about how these seedlings are thriving in their final home at Inman Valley on the next page.

BRINGING BACK THE BIRDS Claire Bowman

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n 2005, Andrew and Libby bought a rundown property at Inman Valley. The story of this little patch of country is a common one for their part of the world. In the 1800s the land had been cleared for wheat. Wheat pastures gave way to cattle. By the time Libby and Andrew signed the title deed, the land was bare and the infrastructure had seen better days.

"It was just grazed on … no one had done any upgrades at all on it. The fencing wasn’t any good, everything was a bit shabby and pretty mishmash," says Libby.

On their property in rural Victoria, Libby’s parents had planted trees throughout her childhood. She and Andrew have always had an appreciation for nature, but owning their own rural property focused their attention on bringing life back to the land. Now Life Members of Trees For Life, they’re well on their way to success.

After buying their block they called in Natural Resource Management staff to give some guidance on how

they might begin to restore it. They tried a number of methods, from planting to direct seeding through various programs. "We were pretty naive so [we had] some varying successes." Cattle and kangaroos were a problem, and overall Libby admits the growth rate wasn’t astounding, thanks in part to mixed layers of soil.

"Some of it’s glacial sands on top of clay. Until their roots get down into the clay they don’t tend to go very far.

So they can spend a few years doing nothing and then all of a sudden they’ll go great."

"It’s been a bit of a learning process for us!"

Many of the trees from their early efforts are still there, Libby says. "They looked like bonsais for years and now they look like proper trees! I thought it was no success at all initially, but some of it did eventually work."

In 2010, when Andrew discovered that a member of his tennis group had been growing for years for our Tree Scheme, they recruited him to grow some seedlings for their property. With the help of electric fencing, the surviving trees from that planting are going strong. However, Libby thinks the most successful planting they’ve done was in 2018 thanks to "the lovely people in the street down at Cumberland Park."

Several years on, Libby says the trees grown by Jasmin, Jake, Joolz and Scooby are astounding. "Some of them are absolutely unbelievable.

They’re absolutely spectacular … in some spots we’ve had 90 percent — more than 90 per cent — take, and they’re really big. And in other spots the take is still quite good — 80 per cent."

Like many people on the land, Libby and Andrew were keen to invite their growers to see the results of their 8

PLANT THE FUTURE WITH TREE SCHEME Orders are open now for the 2020/21 planting season. Grow your own natives, or have one of our committed volunteers grow for you, and you’ll be helping bring growth and life back to the land.

Those on properties affected by the 2019/20 fires can receive a 50% discount for seedlings, tree guards and stakes thanks to the generous support of Viterra. Properties with an ElectraNet easement, as well as small community groups and schools, may also be eligible for discounts this season. Visit treesforlife.org.au or call us on 08 8406 0500.

work. "We thought they’d love to see where their trees went."

Libby is pleased with the progress they’re making on what she calls their "retirement project".

"It’s certainly remarkably different from when we bought the place, and now that we’ve got a microclimate established it’s making all the difference. It’s excellent."

"The bird [life] has been extraordinary, given that we hardly noticed a bird when we first bought the property. We just didn’t notice many birds at all … but the bird [life] has changed every year since then and we have every variety of birds now. They turned up out of nowhere.

It’s fantastic."

With the help of some committed neighbours from the suburbs and a determination to learn from their failures and wins, Andrew and Libby are enjoying watching their latest and most successful natives grow. We’re sure these won’t be the last. 

You’ve got to have the courage to get to the start line.

RIDING FOR THE LAND I LOVE Claire Bowman

A ABOVE: 'Stirling Roadrunner', Alison

Skinner prepares for departure.

Photograph by Damian van Loon.

TOP RIGHT: Alison wears our tagline

with pride.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Western Australian

bout 360 kilometres west of Perth, the Great Eastern Highway runs through an old goldmining town called Southern Cross. The highway then stretches west for 180 kilometres before reaching the next town, passing the eucalyptus woodlands of Yellowdine Nature Reserve, Boorabbin National Park and Goldfields Woodlands Conservation Park. The riders in the Indian Pacific Wheel Race take this route on their 5,500 kilometre unsupported cycle from Perth to Sydney. Alison Skinner, Adelaide’s 'Stirling Roadrunner', was pushing east through this dry country on 22 March when she was forced

bushland taken by Alison.

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to turn around and ride back to the west coast.

Turning back wasn’t part of the plan. In a handful of days, a Nullarbor roadhouse called Border Village should have marked Alison’s re-entry into her home state of South Australia, the first border crossing during her fundraising ride for Trees For Life.

A fellow rider was the one to tell Alison that the South Australian border was closing. Alison recalls knowing almost immediately that she wasn’t going to make it to Sydney. "I’d done the sums quickly in my head and realised there was no likelihood whatsoever of actually reaching the border," says Alison over the phone, one week into her fortnight

of mandatory self-isolation. Her flight back from Perth had landed on 24 March, two minutes after the official border closure.

Alison recalls the closure was still two days away when they got word, but more than 800 kilometres stood between Alison and Border Village.

It was a near-impossible feat. "Once the two race leaders had turned and withdrawn, that made it a little bit easier for everybody else," she says.

Although the return was a disappointing blow, many of the competitors who’d been riding for charities had already succeeded in at least a part of their mission. Alison had already passed her target of $5,500 raised for Trees For Life before she dipped her back bike wheel in the Indian Ocean and prepared to set off. That goal amounted to one dollar for every kilometre she was ready to ride, and would plant 1,600 seedlings. By the time she was back in the Adelaide Hills, she’d raised $6,400.

Her fundraising mission: to help us "grow, plant and nurture seedlings that will become majestic trees, lush bushes and elegant grasses, providing habitat for our wildlife, and lungs for our planet."

Alison had hoped to keep raising even more money throughout her journey, but knew there were very good reasons to turn around.

The riders recognised their social responsibility to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, but there was also a practical reason not to keep on towards Sydney. Alison says, "The fact that I’d do an event like this would seem like quite a crazy thing to do. But despite that I'm not much of a risk taker, so my initial thought turned towards the likelihood that roadhouses and supporting services would close down fairly rapidly if there wasn’t through-traffic."

This concern was warranted. Had they made it to the border in time, the riders would still face roadhouse closures as they pushed through some of the least populated regions of this vast country. Roadhouses dotted

through the Nullarbor and beyond provide vital food, water and shelter.

By necessity, the competitors keep the gear they carry to a minimum, says Alison. "You’re carrying just enough water, you’re carrying a few extra layers of clothing, a minimum repair kit to get you out of trouble, and enough high-energy snacks to get you to the next roadhouse…"

In the event that she didn’t make it to the roadhouse, Alison had just enough to get by. "I did have the bivvy bag, pillow and enough warm gear to be able to bed down by the side of the road or in a nice little bushy grove if needed."

However, with 250-300 kilometres to ride each day, having access to water, 10

essentials and decent rest was quite understandably at the forefront of Alison’s mind.

By attempting this incredible feat, she wanted to challenge herself, to raise money and also to generate awareness of the responsibility we all share to protect our environment. A strong advocate for the natural world, Alison works for Natural Resources SA Arid Lands and believes that our actions, both big and small, really can make a difference.

"There’s been a lot going on this year with bushfires and now coronavirus, but people are quite aware of climate change. They’re aware of our need to do more for the planet." Alison sees it’s sometimes hard for people to connect

Brianiee is an environmental scientist, community organiser and researcher with experience in environmental capacity building and community development. She's constantly inspired by the outdoors, exploring and traveling, and she has a natural curiosity about how the world works.

"I enjoy the simple things: a lovely cosy chair and a book, a glass of wine and music, a beautiful meal with my family, painting and playing my piano and spending time exploring in nature with my partner and our dog Kelso."

We can’t wait, and can’t behave as if climate change and biodiversity loss is someone else’s problem. their own actions with a broader environmental impact. "It often seems like someone else’s problem … but we also can’t just wait for these actions to happen from others. We all have a responsibility."

Though her cycling challenge was cut short, Alison encourages donors and supporters to take on a challenge of their own, though perhaps not one quite so immense as hers. "The challenge I’d put out there for people — all people from all walks of life — is to think about what action they can take, whether it’s big or small, that can make a material difference to our environment … we can’t wait, and can’t behave as if climate change and biodiversity loss is someone else’s problem. We all need to take action to reduce our own impact."

Some actions might seem like small things, but Alison is certain of strength in numbers, the power of connecting together to take positive action. "Those little things can reduce energy consumption. If everybody does [them], they all add up … your actions do make a difference."

While something like cycling to work, which Alison does daily, might be a big step for many of us, preparing for this challenge of a lifetime taught Alison a valuable lesson about starting something big.

"I was incredibly anxious, just really worried about what it would be like. It made me realise that often it’s getting yourself to the start line that’s the hardest bit. Trying something new and just having a go … getting yourself motivated to do it is often the hard bit and once you’re actually doing it, it becomes very easy quite quickly."

"That’s really one of the things I learnt from this. You’ve got to have the courage to get to the start line." Whether it’s a huge physical challenge or committing to a lifestyle shift, starting takes bravery.

As any of our staff and volunteers will readily tell you, that courage and

Brianiee

TREE SCHEME COORDINATOR

motivation is easier to muster when you’re working together. Alison is quick to point out one of the most vital things she carried with her: "the love and encouragement of friends and family and supporters."

"Being on the bike and having just enough food and water, shelter in the form of a bivvy bag if you need it … was about tearing down to the absolute minimum, and working out what you don’t need rather than what you need."

Stripping life down to its survival elements and setting off across the vast expanse of Western Australia, Alison’s passion for the environment was only reinforced with each kilometre she travelled.

"We’re very lucky in Australia. We’ve got this beautiful environment, and we need to look after it."

"Those three days were really the experience of a lifetime. It was incredible how long they seemed and

how much landscape you can see, and how much emotion and experience and sensation you can pack into such a short amount of time. It was quite incredible."

Though the front wheel of her bike didn’t make it to the Pacific Ocean this year, Alison hasn’t written off a do-over. For now, she remains a fierce advocate for our precious planet and encourages each of us to join together in creating change, because every person taking action makes a difference. 

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of her bike into the Indian Ocean before setting off.

Our team supply the passion and skill that underpins everything we do. We’re excited to announce we have some new talent joining our ranks. Each brings a unique love and knowledge of our native landscapes and we’re excited to have them on board.

A fond farewell and heartfelt thank you to Tree Scheme Liaison Officer Jennie Howe.

Welcoming these new additions hasn't meant saying farewell to many of our existing team members.

Several have moved into other roles with Trees For Life while others take a short, well-earned break.

Daniel is an experienced seed collector who has worked on bush care and direct seeding projects across the state. He brings passion and a love of Australia’s natural world to the essential role of collecting and protecting our store of native seed.

Daniel says, "I love to travel, camp, bush walk and the Richmond Tigers."

Julia

Your actions do make a difference.

IMAGE: Alison dips the back wheel

OUR PEOPLE

BUSH FOR LIFE FIELD OFFICER (TEA TREE GULLY)

Daniel

SEED BANK MANAGER

While working as an intensive care nurse, Julia volunteered with Bush For Life as a way to reduce stress and get back to nature. Discovering that she had a passion for the environment as well as healthcare, she enrolled in a Bachelor of Environmental Science, and has made this another facet of her career. "In my spare time I like to work in my garden, reclaim my childhood with my six year-old daughter, practice aerial silks and trapeze … and get out in nature."

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Anna is a passionate advocate for the environment and uses her administration skills to ensure everything is running smoothly for members and supporters who get in touch with the office. "I like to linger in libraries and bookstores, marvel at the wonders of botanical gardens or ponder on distant celestial bodies. I am particularly fond of cats, Earl Grey tea, potted plants and good music."

Anna describes Trees For Life as the place "where I feel my values and beliefs align."

Anna

FRONTLINE SUPERVISOR

Quahli is passionate and highly skilled, with valuable experience restoring and regenerating South Australian bushland. She’s previously worked in bush regeneration and revegetation services across the Fleurieu Peninsula and brings a depth of local knowledge and passion to her role. "I am a local Kaurna woman and have lived in the Southern Onkaparinga region my whole life. I have a strong connection to Country."

Quahli

BUSH FOR LIFE FIELD OFFICER (SOUTHERN ONKAPARINGA)

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT TREES FOR LIFE? BUSH FOR LIFE

WHATS ON

AVAILABLE NOW Tree guards and stakes available now at our Westwood Nursery, on sale until 31 August. Call our office to order and pay prior to collection.

TREE SCHEME ORDERS NOW OPEN

We’ve seen a few challenges over the last couple of months. In line with government restrictions and recommendations, we stopped all volunteer activities.

When we would normally have been celebrating the launch of our bushcare season at our annual picnic, we were instead following instructions to stay at home.

Where our Bush For Life staff would usually support volunteer bushcarers, they were finding new ways to stay in touch, including online catch-ups, sharing videos and photos of our sites and encouraging people to have a go at a range of citizen science projects.

Place your order now for the 2020/21 growing season. We’re here to help with everything from species selection to planting and care advice. More information and to download an order form for your area, visit treesforlife.org.au/order-seedlings.

Discounts available: Landholders affected by the 2019/20 fires can receive a 50% discount* for seedlings and tree guards and stakes thanks to the generous support of Viterra. Schools and small community groups can get a 50% discount*.

Landholders with an ElectraNet easement can also access a discount offer. Contact us for more details.

However, this hasn’t meant letting weeds run wild. Our dedicated team have a new set of protocols in place to protect their own health and are getting out on site to tackle high-priority weeds and protect the health of our bushland. We’re taking care of the bush as best we can and we can’t wait for you to join us once more, as soon as it’s safe. We’re slowly introducing activities as restrictions ease. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and website, where we’ll publish new information.

Discount doesn’t apply to membership fees.

*

World Environment Day

5 June

Schools Tree Day

31 July

National Tree Day

2 August

National Landcare Week

3 – 9 August

Biodiversity Month

September

National Wattle Day

1 September

National Threatened Species Day 7 September Mental Health Week

5 – 11 October

TREE SCHEME AND NURSERY Back-up stock available

4 – 7 June

Annual Plant Sale

16 – 18 July

Tree Scheme ordering season

Now – 31 August

Nursery winter sowing orders

Now – 31 July

Tree guards and stakes available

Now – 31 August

Registrations for volunteer growers

1 July – 31 August

Nursery summer sowing orders

1 September – 30 November

Grower Workshops

22 October – 7 November

Seed Collection Workshops

Winter cancelled, next scheduled for spring (TBC)

Tree Scheme Materials Collection Day

15 November

BUSH FOR LIFE EVENTS We’ve had to take a break from volunteer activities to keep our amazing community safe. We’re excited to be preparing our launch back into bushcare this winter. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and website to make sure you don’t miss events as we begin to resume bushcare activities, workshops and Bush Action Team events.

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 in the coming months. Workshops are free for members.

THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS…

Orders close 31 August.

ANNUAL PLANT SALE Don’t miss the opportunity to snap up affordable local native seedlings to create your perfect native garden at our Annual Plant Sale.

Thursday 16 to Saturday 18 July from 9am - 1pm.

Our members receive a discount on all plants. Join online to access great savings at treesforlife.org.au/join-us.

Please note: due to COVID-19 restrictions, we will carefully manage the number of customers at the nursery during the sale to ensure the health and safety of staff, volunteers and customers. This will include a booking system, therefore you will need to register to receive updates leading up to the sale. Call us on 08 8406 0500 or email info@treesforlife.org.au to register.

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In the spotlight

MALLEEFOWL These bashful birds are rare and easily startled but a watchful visitor to mallee scrublands might be lucky enough to spot their mottled feathers between the trees.

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may have produced one egg per week, up to three times her own weight.

Largely antisocial, malleefowl avoid interaction with each other except for mating and territorial disputes. Even the young are independent, hatching alone after 50 – 100 days and scratching with tiny feet to reach the surface of the mound. They emerge with eyes and beaks still gummed closed, but within several hours can run and within a day can fly. However, they won’t fly often; they prefer life in the undergrowth, where they lead a largely solitary existence foraging for seeds, flowers, buds and the occasional invertebrate.

Listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and surviving in just three fragmented populations across southern Australia, the malleefowl is the sole representative of its genus. 

erhaps the most endearing trait of the malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata) is a talent for composting. Throughout winter, male malleefowl choose a nesting site amongst the stunted trunks of the mallee scrub. They scratch a large depression in the soil and begin to fill it with leaf litter, twigs and bark. After rain, the male turns over his mound to promote decomposition. He periodically tests the mound with his beak and adds soil, presumably to achieve the perfect temperature. He is undeniably a master of his art.

By September he’s created a steaming active compost in his nest, providing the perfect incubator. Throughout spring and summer, the female lays between three and 30 thin-shelled eggs in a warm chamber of the mound. Each weighs up to 10% of her body weight. By the end of the season she

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