Tfl releaf june by Undo Damage

Winter 2015 Issue 135

Order your native seedlings now! Grant helps threatened flora TFL Works helps Stirling golf course

President’s Message

General News

The party’s over ... it’s time to call it a day

Complete our survey to let us know what YOU want!

lsewhere in this edition is a notice for our AGM in October and a call for nominations to serve on the Board of management. One of the vacancies will be that of President and I have finally decided that I will not be re-nominating for election this year. Fifteen years in the saddle is long enough and it’s time for a change both for me and for Trees For Life. New directions possibly, fresh approaches certainly, but with the same general objective and firmly based on the values that have served us so well for the past 30+ years. Leaving isn’t easy but I do so knowing that TFL is well placed to continue its invaluable work; it’s been both an honour and a pleasure to have led this wonderful organisation for such a length of time. It’s essential that our work continues but it’s important that we do so with energy, imagination and adaptability. The Board has been aware of my intention to retire for a while and has devoted considerable time and energy to identifying and developing a potential successor. Mind you in doing so we have been mindful that nomination and appointment to the Board and of office holders is the prerogative of the membership. A new President will have a different leadership style but knowledge of and passion for TFL is paramount coupled with a strong belief in the importance of the natural environment, the value of volunteers and the need to engage the community in fixing the damage done to our native vegetation by past generations. Importantly of course it’s necessary to be proficient in the governance skills of strategic planning, financial management, and human relations. We have a relatively young (the average age will plummet with my retirement!) but well-qualified and experienced Board. Currently we are seeking to supplement our skill mix with some serious scientific expertise but overall our leadership group is healthy, enthusiastic and committed. Over the years we’ve had some marvellous contributors to the Board but in my estimation the current team is as good if not better than at any time in my Presidency. After considerable discussion we have resolved to put forward one of our number as a nomination for the forthcoming election in October. On Page 3 of this edition is a brief profile of Natasha Davis who I believe will be a great successor and has the vision, ideas and energy to take TFL to new heights. Natasha was appointed Vice President following Michael Cain’s career move to Darwin in late 2013 and confirmed in the position at last year’s AGM. She and I have worked closely together since then with Natasha leading a couple of key initiatives; in the time that I’ve known her it has become clear that we share a passion for this great organisation, a strong commitment to volunteers and our people and a belief that we have a duty to help preserve out environment for future generations. If elected I’m very confident that Natasha Davis will lead Trees For Life on to more outstanding achievements in increasingly challenging times.

DAVID MITCHELL AM President

Trees For Life Winter 2015 Number 135

T The bright Craspedia glauca, commonly known as Bachelor Buttons.

Bachelor makes a bright return BRETT OAKES

his time of year, if you take the time to explore sunny patches in remnant bushland on the Fleurieu, Yorke or Eyre peninsulas, you may see a rosette of green-grey fuzzy leaves dotting the open ground. These plants, sprouting after summer dormancy, are Craspedia glauca, or Bachelor Buttons. A member of the daisy family, these herbs send up large, bright yellow flowerheads on single stalks in late Winter to Spring. The individual flowers on these heads are small, offering food for many tiny insects, like native bees and wasps, which are vital to a heathy ecosystem.

Find us on: Contact us ReLeaf is a production of Trees For Life. Editor: Tania Kearney (ph: 08 8406 0500 or taniak@treesforlife.org.au) Production/Graphic Design: Image and Substance Printing: Finsbury Green

Want to advertise? Advertising space is now available in ReLeaf. Phone (08) 8406 0500 or email taniak@treesforlife.org.au for advertising rates. Cover Photo: Nomia native bees on Knobby Club Rush (Ficinea nodosa) by Alex Coombe.

Trees For Life 5 May Tce, Brooklyn Park 5032 Ph: 8406 0500 Fax: 8406 0599 info@treesforlife.org.au www.treesforlife.org.au

rees For Life is conducting a membership survey. It’s the first time we’ve done such a thing since we were established in 1981 and this is your chance to give us some very welcome feedback. The survey is designed to improve communications and services to members by finding out more about you and most importantly what you like and value about what we do and how we do things. So we’re asking for about 15 minutes of your time which we believe will pay big dividends for TFL, its members and supporters in the future. If any further inducement were necessary, for the first 500 responses received, we will plant a seedling at our new ‘Trees For Habitat’ site near Monarto. We are conducting the whole survey internally and you have our assurance that your privacy will be respected and protected. A paper survey form is included, along with a return envelope. However it will save us an enormous amount of time if you could do the survey online by going to our TFL website: www.treesforlife.org.au/ With sincere appreciation and thanks for your help in this important initiative.

Nominate for a Board position

f you’re passionate about the environment and the future of Trees For Life, you can now nominate for a position on our Board. This year’s AGM will be held on October 22 when the positions of President, Secretary and ordinary members will be decided. If you’re interested in a position on the Board, please complete the nomination form on Page 11 of this ReLeaf edition or phone Trees For Life on (08) 8406 0500. Nominations close 5pm on September 22.

National Tree Day turns 20 this year

ach year around Australia more than 200,000 people participate in National Tree Day events at 3000 sites organised by councils, schools, businesses and communities. Since Planet Ark first launched the event in 1996, more than three million participants have planted 21 million native trees, grasses and shrubs. This year’s National Tree Day theme ‘You Can Grow So Much’ focuses on the wealth of opportunities engaging with nature brings to individuals, communities and the environment. Schools Tree Day will this year be held on Friday July 24, with NTD on Sunday July 26. If your school is interested in planting native seedlings as part of a National Tree Day event, Trees For Life is offering discounted seedlings - just $25 for a box of 50 seedlings (pick up only). For more information phone us on (08) 8406 0500.

What’s on… Now -

Ordering season open

Now -

June 9 - Intro bush regen w-shop @ Clare June 18 - Friends of Farnill event June 25 - Intro bush regen w-shop @ Barossa July 7 -

Intro bush regen w-shop @ Strathalbyn

July 24 - Schools Tree Day July 26 - National Tree Day July 27 - Intro bush regen w-shop @ Playford Aug 4 -

Intro bush regen w-shop @ Lobethal

Aug 28 - Intro bush regen w-shop @ Goolwa Sept 11 - Intro bush regen w-shop @ Eden Hills Sept 13 - BFL’s Big Weed Front event @ Hahndorf Sept 22 - Board nominations close 5pm Sept 24 - Seed collection workshop @ Black Hill Sept 29 - Intro bush regen w-shop @ Mt Barker Oct 1 -

Group seed collection day @ Tanunda

(Bush Action Team activities on Page 8). For more information. on any of the above events, phone Trees For Life on (08) 8406 0500.

TFL Works: Providing on-ground professional services

TFL Works provides professional on-ground services including weed control, site rehabilitation, tree planting and bushland management. Phone Matthew Endacott on (08) 8406 0522 to discuss your needs and to arrange a site visit and quote.

General News

Interview with TFL Vice-President, Natasha Davis Outgoing President David Mitchell believes Natasha Davis has what’s required as his successor in the lead-up to Trees For Life’s AGM in October. Find out more about Natasha and her vision for TFL’s future ...

How long have you been a member of TFL and why did you join? I became an official paid up member of Trees For Life in 2008 when my son Miles was born. We were given a membership to celebrate his birth; which is a great present. Since then I’ve given TFL memberships and ‘Gifts of Trees’ for gifts myself for significant occasions. I’ve had a long term interest in the work of Trees For Life because of the way we involve so many people actively in nature. I especially like the link that is created through the Tree Scheme between those of us who live in the ‘city’ and people on rural properties. I joined the Board in 2010 because I wanted to get more involved.

What activities have given you the most satisfaction and why?

Memory Trees to be planted at Monarto

A Vice-president Natasha Davis. demonstrate what we have achieved. The ‘environment’ has slipped down the agenda at a political level, but our practical focus and the fact we provide meaningful volunteering experiences will always be a strength.

How do you see the future for TFL and what sort of changes might be needed? Trees For Life has a strong future if we stick to our core values at the same time as constantly identifying how we can become more effective. We need to get more creative about marketing and fundraising – it’s very competitive these days. Ensuring our services are really valuable for landholders, volunteers and the many partners we work may require re-thinking how we deliver programs in some areas. Everywhere I go I meet people who are members or supporters of Trees For Life – let’s keep it that way!

Since I joined the board in 2010, I have really enjoyed learning about all aspects of the organisation and getting to know staff and other volunteers. At a practical level I enjoy growing seedlings; although this year has been quite frustrating as they are pretty small! We are looking forward to taking the family up to Monarto to help our landholder plant the trees.

What do you see as the major challenges for the environment and community organisations such as TFL? Staying relevant, getting younger people involved, securing funding, making sure our activities are based on sound science – to name a few! Most importantly we have to make a difference with the money and time that is invested and be able to

Trees For Life Winter 2015 Number 135

n estimated 1200 seedlings will be planted at Monarto Zoo this winter as part of the Alfred James Memory Tree partnership with Trees For Life. The species are Acacia brachybotrya (Grey mulga), Enchyleana tomentosa (Ruby saltbush), Maireana brevifolia (Short leaf bluebush), Melaleuca acuminata (Mallee honey myrtle) and Eucalyptus porosa (Mallee box). These particular species were chosen to help achieve multi-storey biodiverse vegetation with a vibrant and robust understorey – which is vitally important in supporting the ground layer flora and fauna including reptiles, birds, mammals and insects. Trees For Life and Alfred James Funeral Homes are joint partners in the Memory Tree Program, through which native trees and shrubs are planted as a symbol of life to honour the memory of a loved one. The program was established in 1991 and an estimated 40,000 native trees and shrubs have since been planted. The first plantings were undertaken at O’Halloran Hill in the south, followed by Cobbler Creek in the north – resulting in almost 600 hectares of both national parks being revegetated. In 2004 Memory Tree plantings were moved to Monarto.

Big Weed Front: September 13 Yantaringa, Hahndorf Want to have a fun day out, mingling with other bushcarers helping to restore a bushland site? If you’ve never tried bushcare before, this is your chance to give it a go! Come and help us celebrate the national Bushcare’s Major Day Out. Bring your friends and family! Together we will ‘Weed ‘em and Reap’ the benefits of bushland conservation. (Check our website and Facebook for more details)

BFL receives $8000 from bushfire survey

A star (plant) is born – Tree Scheme plants that aren’t ‘famous’, but should be!

PHIL BAGUST

Trees For Life’s Tree Scheme has always tried to offer a wide range of plants for each of its zones. Trees aren’t enough – shrubs, herbs, groundcovers, climbers and grasses should all be part of a successful revegetation mix. But plants are like people, some are just natural celebrities while others are real wallflowers that struggle to make friends. For instance everybody knows and loves the mighty River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), it’s an Australian icon, and a consistently heavily ordered plant in our Tree Scheme. Plants like this don’t need extra PR, but there are many other plants that are rarely ordered by growers, not because they aren’t beautiful, interesting or important, but just because they aren’t well known. This column tries to redress that imbalance. With their formal shapes when young and their emerald green foliage that contrasts with the greygreen of many other local natives, our native pines (actually members of the Cypress family), especially the Southern Cypress-pine (Callitris gracilis) are popular plants in many TFL zones. But Callitris don’t generally like really high rainfall areas, while some people prefer the silvery grey colour of the Northern Cypress Pine (Callitris glaucophylla) which is the familiar tree of the Northern Flinders Ranges. Enter the Oyster Bay Pine (Callitris rhomboidea). The what you say? Sometimes also called the Port Jackson Pine, this is a different and very beautiful Callitris species that mainly lives on the east coast of Australia and Tasmania. In South Australia it is found widely scattered but never dominant in small woodland populations in the Mount Lofty ranges, Kangaroo Island and in the South East, always in higher rainfall situations.

The Oyster Bay Pine (Callitris rhomboidea) as a tree and inset, the distinctive cones which feature sharp points. Oyster Bay Pine is a lovely, formal, upright tree up to about 8m tall with unusual silvery-grey, very fine foliage, and completely distinctive cones covered with quite sharp points that are totally unlike any other Callitris. Growing from seed is similar to other Callitris species. It seems to prefer well drained situations on slopes and even in rocky areas, but this may have something to do with its fire sensitivity – like other Callitris species a severe fire will kill the tree, resulting in seed drop and the mass germination of even aged stands. TFL is now offering this not-wellknown tree in zones BL (Borderlands), CH (Central Hills), KI (Kangaroo Island) and NO (Noarlunga), so if you think you have the terrain for something different, why not order a box or two, and help make this wallflower a belle of the ball?

ush For Life has received an $8000 donation as part of a ‘bushfire and biodiversity’ survey conducted by the University of South Australia and University of Adelaide. The survey, part of a joint project – “Bushfires and Biodiversity: Optimising conservation outcomes in peri-urban areas at risk” – was conducted in late 2014 and involved more than 3000 residents in the Adelaide-Mt Lofty Ranges and Lower Eyre Peninsula regions. Residents in areas close to conservation reserves, areas of new development and areas with high-risk of bushfires, were targeted. The project is seeking to address two concerns: • the threat of destructive bushfires occurring close to residential areas; and • the need for effective conservation measures to maintain important and unique biodiversity. Researchers want to analyse what motivates the decisions of individuals when faced with a significant threat of bushfire in areas of high biodiversity value. While the survey results are preliminary and awaiting further analysis, of particular interest to Bush For Life was the result that 75% of survey participants believed they had either ‘some’ or ‘a lot’ of influence in the conservation of local biodiversity. Similarly 78% of participants believed they had either ‘some’ or ‘a lot’ of influence in reducing bushfire risk. By way of a ‘thank you’ for completing the survey, participants were given the option to donate $20 in their name to Bush For Life. The final $8000 will be used by BFL to purchase a new Bush Action Team trailer, complete with tools, to replace the old trailer. For more information on the bushfire and biodiversity study, visit treesforlife.org.au/bushland/landholders

Tree Scheme

Family’s ‘small contribution’ makes a huge difference

awler resident Marie-louise Lees celebrated her 50th birthday recently. Naturally several lifetime highlights and achievements were mentioned during a birthday speech in her honour – one of those being her stellar career as Chief Reservoir Engineer for Santos. Another was her volunteering efforts in her ‘spare’ time: since 1996 she and husband Graham have grown nearly 10,000 native seedlings through Trees For Life for landholders throughout the State. Each year the Gawler couple grows 10 boxes of seedlings (around 500 seedlings); Graham being responsible for the tube-filling task and MarieLouise sowing and tending to the developing seedlings. Marie-louise said her interest in the environment started from a young age as her family grew up in the country and spent a lot of time camping. “One thing that always stuck in my mind was the huge erosional gullies in places, although at the time I was not aware of how these were caused,” she said. The big impetus for joining Trees For Life was when the couple bought a block at Cockatoo Valley in 1988. Vegetation on the two-acre farming property consisted of two gum trees and a stand of Callitris (native pine). “We started planting native trees before we built our house,” Marielouise said. “At the start we didn’t know a lot about what to plant and our original trees were bought from an Adelaide Hills nursery. But a lot of them didn’t survive as they weren’t suited to our soil and rainfall conditions. Over the years we have graduated to planting mostly local natives.” One of Marie-louise’s work colleagues at Santos was a volunteer grower with Trees For Life at the time and gave them some surplus seedlings – some Sennas and Wattles. The Sennas are still alive and thriving. Given they had plenty of room on their new property, Graham and Marie-louise decided to volunteer as growers themselves and started their

Marie-louise and Graham Lees have helped grow around 10,000 seedlings through Trees For Life for South Australian landholders since 1996. first season in 1996-97. They have since grown for several landholders – two of whom they grew for over several years. “One of them was a landholder revegetating a property at Warooka on the Yorke Peninsula,” Marie-louise said. “He used to send us photos of the trees and shared his progress on the property, which was great.” “Another landowner we grew for had a property on the west coast. He used to drive over and collect thousands of seedlings from multiple growers using a specially made trailer. He was revegetating his property after seeing the positive impact of alley farming in WA – he was very progressive.” Marie-louise said she and Graham enjoyed growing and making “a small contribution” to revegetation. She enjoys nothing more than seeing the results of revegetation first-hand as she drives around the State. “We have a tried and true system for growing. I collect the materials from the Tesselaar’s property in Kalbeeba (they have been the depot for as long as we have been doing it). Graham fills the tubes – he puts some music on and just ploughs through it. I plant and tend the seedlings,”

Trees For Life Winter 2015 Number 135

she said. “About three years ago my dad made me a new growing stand (see photo) for 10 boxes of trees, which features a frame to put shade cloth over and has irrigation which is hooked into the automatic watering system. This means it is not a problem if we want to go away.” She admitted some growing seasons can be more stressful than others – and more work if there is poor germination and resowing is needed. “There have been a few incidents over the years. One year the corellas came in and pulled up all the seedlings and that resulted in a replant and putting netting over the seedlings for a number of years following. Another time we had a massive storm with about three inches of rain in a couple of hours and the growing stand blew over. That was quite a recovery effort as there were tubes mixed up and tipped out!” Marie-louise is a strong believer in the ‘many hands make light work’ principle and says volunteering to grow seedlings was a great way for people with a little room in their yards and some time to make a small contribution to revegetation. But like most volunteers, she and Graham shy away from recognition for their efforts. “I think the people who collect seeds, run depots, run the organisation and do the planting are the real heroes. Growing the seedlings is really a small part of the whole effort.” If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer grower phone TFL on (08) 8406 0500.

Thank you to our wonderful growers! During the 2014-15 growing season, more than 1000 volunteers grew a combined total of more than 460,000 native seedlings for environmental projects and landholders throughout South Australia. What a huge, fantastic effort by you all!

A difficult growing season for all

you have finished using them on your current plantings (after 1-3 years). They are available in bundles of 100 stakes and guards (combined) at $187 per bundle. If you are interested in purchasing please pre-order and pay through the TFL office on (08) 8406 0500 or info@treesforlife.org.au. They will then be available to pick up from the TFL Nursery in Brooklyn Park (near the Adelaide Airport).

THE TREE SCHEME TEAM

he growth of most seedlings this year has been slower than usual, so the plants you have either grown yourself or received from your volunteer grower will probably be smaller than in previous years. This season we trialed pre-mixing the fertiliser into the potting mix before supplying to growers. The intention was to make the propagation task a little easier, and initial responses were positive, with growers appreciating the small reduction in work of preparing their growing tubes. However, through January it became apparent that many seedlings were not getting sufficient nutrients. Uneven mixing of the fertiliser into the soil may have contributed to the problem, but it seems most likely that the bulk mixing caused crushing of the slow release pellets, making them ‘quick release’. As a result, many seedlings, especially those with late December and January sowing dates did not get enough nutrients for good growth (see picture comparisons, right). Since the problem was realised, we have been asking growers to regularly apply a water soluble fertiliser. This has benefited some species more than others, however the overall result is that much of the tubestock you receive this year may be small. In the future we will revert to the tried and tested method of supplying slow release fertiliser pellets for the grower to mix in. Please acknowledge the efforts of your grower – the smaller size of seedlings has been something beyond their control.

Tree Scheme dates Order Seedlings: May 1-July 31 Volunteer Grower Registration: Now until October 1 Growers Workshops: October-November

Top: This year’s Red Gum seedlings. Bottom: Red Gum seedlings in a normal season.

Time to place your seedling order!

evegetating can be a complex and expensive business. But we have made it easy for you with guidance on how to go about it and help from volunteers to grow the seedlings. Orders are open, so think about what you need and order before the end of July.

Great value native seedlings Top: This year’s Acacia pycnantha seedlings. Bottom: Acacia pycnantha seedlings in a normal year.

TFL tree guards and stakes now available

or your convenience, Trees For Life will once again be stocking tree guards and stakes for you to purchase. This year we are stocking hardwood stakes and corflute welded guards (450mm), as we believe these to be the most durable and effective in protection from kangaroos and rabbits and they are also easy to construct. In addition, they are excellent for re-use for subsequent plantings once

The 2015 pricing structure is: • For $45 + TFL Membership you can order 1- 6 boxes (up to 300 plants) OR • for $75 + TFL Membership you can place an order for 7-10 boxes with a Volunteer Grower (up to 500 plants) or up to 20 boxes (1000 plants) if you choose to grow them yourself. So from 15 cents per seedling you can purchase native tubestock, which compares with $2-$4 per seedling from commercial outlets! Order forms and information booklets for all 42 zones are now available on-line at www.treesforlife.org.au. If you prefer a hard copy please contact us on (08) 8406 0500 or email info@treesforlife.org.au

Bush For Life

Grant helps volunteers protect threatened flora

he Bush For Life (BFL) program has been active in the Northern and Yorke (N&Y) region for the last 20 years, with seven bushcare sites on local government land (Clare & Gilbert, and Wakefield councils). Volunteers also work on a range of sites protecting nationally endangered plant species as part of our N&Y Threatened Flora project. In 2014 BFL received a community grant, provided by the Northern & Yorke NRM Board, to enhance the biodiversity conservation and weed control works on BFL sites in that region. This grant funded extensive on-ground weed control by professional bushcarers from Trees For Life Works. The grant enabled BFL to: • control key environmental weeds on long term bushcare sites, • stimulate natural regeneration of local indigenous species through weed control, • protect areas of high biodiversity from weed invasion, and • motivate volunteers by tackling some of the larger issues beyond their capabilities on sites. Four BFL sites were chosen to benefit from the funding: Pinks Reserve and Emu Flat Reserve (both near Clare), Halbury Parklands (surrounding Halbury township), and the Auburn Cemetery. The grant also extended to intensive woody weed control on a Threatened Flora site near Sevenhill; an Inland Bluegum Grassy Woodland and valuable habitat for endangered orchids. Weeds controlled included Topped Lavender, Broom, African Boxthorn, Olives and Cape Tulip. These works will be complemented and followed up by BFL volunteers through our annual four-day extended Bush Action Team visit to the midnorth, and by regular working bees organised for volunteers by the Threatened Flora Officer. The high biodiversity conservation areas in the N&Y region will benefit greatly from the funds provided by the Board, and the volunteers certainly appreciate the extra assistance that the funding has provided.

Treatment of Rhamnus at Pinks Reserve.

The TFL Works team treats Topped Lavender at Sevenhill.

Partnerships help rare Spiny Daisy (abridged version of a paper by Doug Bickerton and Christophe Tourenq)

he Spiny Daisy (Acanthocladium dockeri) is a low-growing greycoloured perennial shrub with sharp spines, small indistinct leaves and yellow composite flowers. Spiny Daisy is listed as Critically Endangered under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) and as Endangered under South Australia’s National Parks and Wildlife Act (1972). Spiny Daisy was thought to be extinct in the mid-1980s until the shrub was re-discovered through good fortune in the 1990s growing on a roadside near Laura in SA’s MidNorth, by a local farmer. Subsequently, another five populations have been identified, all in the Mid-North of SA, and all growing on roadsides in highly modified habitat.

Trees For Life Winter 2015 Number 135

The Mid-North of South Australia has been extensively cleared for agriculture, retaining only scattered remnants of intact vegetation. As a result, the wild population of Spiny Daisy is highly fragmented, and being confined to roadsides, the sites are threatened by road and roadside maintenance activities such as grader damage and off-target herbicide damage. The plants are also subject at times to heavy attack from exotic white snails, an agricultural pest which invades cereal crops. Weed and snail control is being undertaken at all sites and road maintenance activities have improved following discussions with local government. The most important conservation measure to guard against extinction risk has been translocation. To date, 11 conservation plantings have been established in the Mid-North, and one in the Riverland, either to boost extant populations or as introductions to new sites. The Threatened Flora Project of Trees For Life manages threatened flora sites in Northern & Yorke region, including Spiny Daisy. TFL’s Erica Rees works hard to improve the condition of the remnant and translocation sites, with volunteer assistance from Biodiversity & Endangered Species Team members and Bush For Life’s Bush Action Team. The Spiny Daisy Recovery Project has successfully increased the likelihood of survival for the species, largely due to the strong partnerships that have been developed between Government, NGOs, private individuals and private enterprise.

The future of the critically endangered Spiny Daisy is more secure thanks to partnerships forged for its protection.

Students gain hands on experience

chance encounter on a Bush For Life (BFL) site has blossomed into a successful partnership between BFL, Para Worklinks and the Playford Council. Para Worklinks is a northern suburbs-based training provider in Conservation & Land Management. So when trainer Rachel Eckermann saw BFL Group Activities coordinator Randall Bates working on a site, she immediately saw an opportunity for her students to work alongside highly experienced staff. The program got under way in late 2014 with BFL staff holding an introductory workshop for the first group of Certificate 2 and 3 students. Funding was provided by Playford Council and Para Worklinks. Jo Gapper Reserve in Hillbank was then chosen as the site to hold regular ‘hands-on’ activities. Under the partnership, students now visit the reserve half a day each month. They benefit from the onground experience and supervision by our regional coordinators, and BFL benefits by training a new group of future volunteers and promoting our messages around minimal disturbance and bushcare strategies. Playford Council also understands the benefit of having groups of supervised students managing weeds on their reserves. The partnership is a good example of the respect our BFL program has gained over recent years as being a quality provider of training in bushcare, in particular our attention to detail, Work Health and Safety practices and consistently high quality work. BFL looks forward to working with Para Worklinks for many years to come.

Students drill and fill olives at Jo Gapper.

Volunteers show off Harrogate success

n Open Day was held in April at our Harrogate Reserve Bush For Life site. The morning’s activity gave councils, peers, partners and managers the opportunity to see what’s happening on the ground and to meet volunteers. It was an opportunity for volunteers to give their perspective about what Bush For Life means to them and to show off the results of their longterm dedication and commitment to bushcare. Attendees learnt about the wonderful achievements of the Bush For Life program within the District Council of Mount Barker and how and why Bush For Life has been so successful and enduring. Biodiversity, habitat value and water quality as well as community engagement has improved as a result of on-going bushcare at Harrogate Reserve. The success of Harrogate Reserve is reflected in all volunteers and sites across the district and demonstrates the program’s important role in caring for bushland, advocating for sites and empowering communities.

My first three months with BFL

obert Vitkunas joined Bush For Life as a volunteer last year. He attended the Bush For Life Introductory Bush Regeneration workshop in Littlehampton and has since attended a number of Bush Regeneration Group Activities in the Adelaide Hills and southern vales. “I met lots of wonderful and interesting people along the way. I am amazed at the knowledge and dedication members had for bush regeneration and the great diversity in plant life that we have. I came to appreciate how fragile the native ecosystem is and how quickly it has degenerated with introduced species,” Robert said. “My highlights had to be ‘drilling and filling’ at Magpie Gully where we saw a very fat and indifferent red belly black snake. What a beautiful snake! The other highlights were a group of kangaroos having a siesta just metres away from us off Piggott Range Road and a koala changing trees at a site near Flagstaff Hill. It’s a pleasure to think these native guys are benefitting in some way from the regeneration work we do.” BFL Group Activities are an excellent way for volunteers to experience new sites and meet like-minded people. You can attend group activities in your area, or hop onto the Bush Action Team bus from the Trees For Life office, and visit BFL sites you never knew existed. For more information visit www.treesforlife.org.au/bushland

2015 Come & Try Bushcare

hese full day activities are perfect for people who want to try bushcare for the first time. Phone (08) 8406 0500 to book or find out more information.

Before and after at Harrogate’s North East Bank: regeneration from November 2005 (top) to 2007 (bottom).

Wed

June 10

Friday

June 12

Wattle Park Belair

Wed

June 17

Aldinga

Sat

June 20

Sat

July 18

One Tree Hill

Tues

July 28

Houghton

Wistow

TFL Works

TFL team helps golf course maintain its natural beauty

he team from Trees For Life’s contracting arm, TFL Works, has been travelling far and wide around the State recently, working in Clare, Meningie-Coorong, Mt Remarkable and more locally, at Tennyson Dunes and in the Adelaide Hills. One of their more recent projects was spending time at the picturesque Stirling golf course – and not because they wanted to improve their handicap! The club prides itself on the natural environment surrounding the course, with the pristine bushland and numerous waterways a haven for native flora and fauna species including many different bird species and spectacular native orchid species. TFL Works was contracted by the golf club to undertake bush regeneration work, primarily the treatment of invasive blackberry along Cox’s Creek and two dams.

Direct Seeding

Direct Seeding Program Aces it in the field

The infestation was treated in a zone from the 8th hole through to the 18th hole along the creekline. The team also used the cut & swab and drill & fill methods to eradicate an English broom infestation that was encroaching on natural bushland adjacent to the 18th hole. The team piled up the broom for removal, enabling them to focus on more areas of infestation and freeing up the precious bushland. If you’re interested in getting some conservation help from the TFL Works team, phone Matt Endacott on (08) 8406 0500.

Invasive Blackberry choking up a creekline.

DAVID HEIN

Beautiful Arcadia now up for sale

English Broom removal before (top) and after (below).

FOR SALE Allure Beach Retreat: Perfect one day, wild the next! Kangaroo Island pristine wilderness retreat with earning potential. $880,000 Allure Beach Retreat is a private spacious architecturally designed award winning eco retreat, surrounded by 50 acres of wilderness with abounding wildlife. Walking tracks meander through the bush with amazing views of the coast from Prospect Hill (half of which is on the property). Only a 5 minute walk through the dunes to stunning Pennington Bay beach where you can fish, surf, swim or simply relax and watch the dolphins and whales play. The light airy house has 2 bedrooms, easily converted to 3, spacious living & kitchen area with a cosy slow combustion heater, a luxurious bathroom with a claw foot bath and magnificent views, an outdoor heated shower with the sound of waves gently crashing in the background. 16,000 litres of the best rainwater. Solar power with generator back up (not required) and instant hot water from gas. This could be your next home. House currently rented at $180/night for a minimum of 4 nights in off-peak and $200/night for a minimum of 7 nights in peak season. Reliably booked out 9 months of year as owner stays for 3 to enjoy property. Approval to build two more dwellings. Located 10 minutes from American River, 20 minutes from the boat terminal at Penneshaw and 40 minutes from Kingscote. Easy access to the Island by ferry or plane. www.allurebeachretreat.com.au Contact Alison 0409 980 378 or allurebeachretreat@bigpond.com for more information.

Trees For Life Winter 2015 Number 135

he spectacular 24-hectare property, Arcadia, is up for sale. Arcadia was bought by retirees Doug and Olga Farnill, in 1999, who have spent years lovingly restoring it to its original state. The native plants have flourished, with many native grasses, orchids and groundcovers coming to the fore. The property is bordered by a Trees For Life bushcare site and a patch of native bush along one fenceline and in 2012 a partnership with Trees For Life was entered and a property plan devised. At this stage at least 86 major species have been planted or regenerated through this property plan. Increasing numbers of birds and other wildlife are now seen on the property, and 144 species of birds have also been reported within a 5km radius of the property.

House and amenities The house comprises three bedrooms and a study. Solar hot water. Beautiful outlook from all windows. All services are available in the local town of Mt Barker and there is good freeway connection to the city. Huge shed, shelving, water, concrete floor, 3-phase power, secure, large enough to accommodate a wide range of activities, perhaps even commercial letting. The brick veneer house, insulated with metal blinds, is approaching 25 years old and would benefit from some updating of the bathroom, ensuite, and floor coverings. The full-size tennis court is usable after some work. To arrange an inspection of the property or for more information phone Trees For Life on (08) 8406 0500.

he direct seeding team has been using a Honda quad bike for weed spraying for a number of years. While the Honda has done the job it does have its issues. It sounds like fun to ride around on a quad all day but the novelty soon wears off. After a few hours of work fatigue does set in – especially when you’re having to do three to four days of spraying. After calculating the number of spraying kilometres we have to do in the 2015 season (around 1400 kms), we decided to look at alternative options. We eventually thought the best option was to buy two Polaris Sportsman’s Ace vehicles. As our sites are spread far and wide across the State and most of the spraying needs to be done in a short period of time, by buying two Aces we’ll be able to get the spraying done quicker allowing us to take on extra projects. For example, we have approximately 500 kilometres to spray on Yorke Peninsula. With one quad it would take at least eight days but now we will be able to do it in four days. The other benefits of the Aces are that they have a bucket seat rather than a seat without back support, a foot throttle instead of thumb throttle and a roll-over protection frame. All these features make the Ace very safe and will reduce operator fatigue. Despite all the ‘pluses’, the Aces have needed modifications to suit our direct seeding needs. The vehicles didn’t come with a spray unit and nothing could be bought ‘off the shelf’ which suited our requirements. So Dennis and I decided to design and build our own spray unit, ensuring it’s versatile enough to cope with spraying on undulating hilly ground. What has been produced through our handywork is a spray unit for the Ace vehicles that are unique and will serve TFL for many years to come.

The Polaris Sportsman’s Ace vehicles, which the direct seeding team has modified to suit specific purposes such as spraying on undulating ground.

For Members

High praise for deserving women

Thank you Stella

C Acacia nyssophylla (Prickly-Leafed wattle) seed.

Seed pod from Pittosporum angustifolium (Native apricot). Photos by Peter Watton.

Fruit, nuts and seed for 2016 calendar

f you love taking photographs of South Australia’s native vegetation, then you might like to consider submitting some of your pics for our 2016 Trees For Life calendar. The theme for our calendar is ‘Fruit, nuts and seed’. Entries are welcome from all TFL members; just remember the guidelines of 300dpi minimum and landscape format. Please ensure original versions are 2mb or higher for quality reproduction. Reduced versions can initially be emailed to taniak@treesforlife.org.au Every year we get a fantastic response from so many talented members and we again look forward to seeing your inspiring photographs. Entries close July 31, 2015.

ongratulations to three special Trees For Life women, who have all been recognised for their volunteering work. Val Percy was recently presented with a Clean Up Australia Ambassador Award by Clean Up Australia founder Ian Kiernan. The award recognised the amazing work she has been doing in cleaning up rubbish from the Onkaparinga mouth and surrounding beaches for the past 25 years. Val has been a TFL member for the past 14 years; she is a volunteer grower and a bushcarer on our Piggott Range Road site. Val has also received a couple of Thank You Tree Awards from us to recognise her tireless work. Saskia Gerhardy and Rose Cullen were winner and runner-up respectively in the South Australian Young Achiever Awards, Environment, in March. Among her many activities, Saskia coordinates a group of young people interested in conservation through the Willunga Environment Centre and dedicates herself to rescuing orphaned, injured or sick animals. She is studying a Bachelor Degree in Biodiversity and Conservation. Rose, who is just 17 years old

Clockwise from top: Angela and Rose Cullen, Saskia Gerhardy and a newspaper clipping on Val Percy. and studying Year 12 this year, is chairperson of the River Murray Youth Council, as well as a member of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition. Rose also happens to be the daughter of our wonderful Bush For Life staffers Angela and Paul Cullen, so we know how passionate she is about TFL and the environment. Well done to you all – you’ve done us proud!

rees For Life was saddened to hear of the passing of one of our long-term members and dedicated volunteer growers, Stella Soult, earlier this year. Stella, aged 84, joined Trees For Life in 1991. As a lovely tribute to her, one of our landholders Caroline Treloar, of Goolwa Beach, wrote to us saying Stella had grown seedlings for her in 2013 and had subsequently nominated her for a Thank You Tree certificate. “She was such a quiet and gracious woman, and so committed to Trees For Life,” Caroline said. “After meeting her for the first time and picking up our seedlings … I nominated Stella for a Thank You Tree award, which she received at the Trees For Life Christmas party in December of that year. I’m incredibly glad I filled out that nomination form – she was so delighted and surprised to be recognised for her many years as a grower.” At Stella’s funeral, knowing of her commitment to Trees For Life, Stella’s family asked for donations to be made to us in lieu of flowers. We extend our deepest sympathy to her family and friends on the loss of such a wonderful woman.

2015 Intro bush regen workshops (B1)

f you are interested in becoming a volunteer on one of our Bush For Life sites or would like to learn more about managing your own bushland then come along to an Introductory Bush Regeneration Workshop. Phone (08) 8406 0500 to register for workshops. Tuesday

June 9

Clare

Thursday

June 25

Barossa

Tuesday

July 7

Strathalbyn

Monday

July 27

Playford

Tuesday

August 4

Lobethal

Friday

August 28

Goolwa

Friday

September 11

Eden Hills (Karinya)

Tuesday

September 29

Mt Barker

Saturday

October 10

Burnside

2015 Advanced workshops Brushcutter Use & Maintenance Day Friday Saturday

Eden Hills (Karinya)

July 11

Brooklyn Park

Friday

September 25

Stirling

Saturday

September 26

Stirling

Thursday

October 22

Brooklyn Park

Saturday

October 24

Brooklyn Park

Introduction to Plant ID

Grass ID & Management

2015 Seed collection workshop (SC1) Thursday

Tfl Board Nomination Form

June 19

Broadleaf Weed Control in Grassy Ecosystems

September 24

Black Hill

Workshop runs from 9am until 3.30pm. For more information phone Seedbank Manager Bruce Smith on (08) 8406 0500.

Nomination form for: President, Secretary, Ordinary Board Member

2015 Group seed collection day (SD1) Thursday

I nominate myself/the person below for the position of:

October 1

Tanunda

Car pooling will be arranged for group seed collection days. For more information phone Seedbank Manager Bruce Smith on (08) 8406 0500.

................................................................................................................................. Name of Nominee.................................................................................................. Membership No...................................................................................................... Signature................................................................................................................. Nominated by......................................................................................................... Membership No......................................................................................................

Stella Soult, with the Thank You Tree award she received in 2013 for her commitment as a volunteer grower.

Signature.................................................................................................................

Trees For Life Winter 2015 Number 135

Sponsors and Supporters

Service Directory

Eyewear that cares for the earth

TCT replaces every tree removed

rees For Life is proud to introduce a new sponsor – Landform Eyewear Australia. Australian owned and operated, LandForm started in 2014 to create eco-conscious sunglasses. Each pair of EcoSunnies is made from wood that’s sourced from sustainable forests, and vegetable based oils to protect the frames are used as opposed to environmentally damaging lacquers. “Sustainability is central to our thinking as a business and all of our products are sourced from renewable forests,” Landform’s managing director and founder Nicholas McAlpine said. The company has developed a OneTree program, through which a native seedling will be planted by Trees For Life for each pair of sunglasses sold. The seedlings are part of Trees For Life’s ‘Trees For Habitat’ program, which aims to revegetate degraded land to provide vital food and shelter for native wildlife. “We feel it is our duty to give back what we are taking from the Earth by planting a tree for every pair of sunglasses sold through our partner, Trees For Life,” Nicholas said. To see the EcoSunnies range available or to find out more, visit www.landformeyewear.com.au

T Artistic donation

enowned South Australian artist Emma Hack recently donated $1155 to Trees For Life as part of proceeds from her Emma Hack Art Prize exhibition. Held at the Adelaide Convention Centre during the Fringe Festival in March, the exhibition – entitled ‘Humanity in Nature’ - featured 36 South Australian artists. The art prize, now in its second year, is for South Australian artists only and awards the amount of $5000 to its winner. A People’s Choice prize of $2000 was also up for grabs. Thanks so much for thinking of us Emma!

rees For Life would like to thank Taking Care of Trees for its ongoing support of Trees For Life. Taking Care of Trees (TCT) , a South Australian owned and operated business, are Tree and Stump removal professionals with over 20 years of industry experience. For every tree they remove, Taking Care of Trees makes a donation to Trees For Life, to ensure another is replanted in its place. TCT has been a proud sponsor of TFLs since 2006. They have the equipment and expertise to accommodate any size job, large or small, commercial or domestic, servicing the Adelaide metropolitan and hills regions. Services include safe tree removal and pruning, grinding stumps, Arborist development reporting and diagnosis advice and the supply of clean mulch and firewood. For more information phone 8395 9921 or visit takingcareoftrees.com.au

Wholesale tubestock, local provenance, professionally grown

Trees For Life takes no responsibility for the services or products featured in its quarterly magazine, ReLeaf.

Perpetual Sponsor

Trees For Life, 5 May Tce, Brooklyn Park 5032 Ph: (08) 8406 0500 Fax: (08) 8406 0599 info@treesforlife.org.au www.treesforlife.org.au

Trees For Life Board President: David Mitchell Vice President: Natasha Davis Treasurer: Hanne Damgaard Secretary: Nathan Daniell Board Members: David Grybowski, Meera Verma, Tony Bezuidenhout, Sarah Van Maarseveen and Jim Humphrys

Trees For Life Contacts Bush For Life Manager: Amelia Hurren Direct Seeding Manager: David Hein TFL Works Manager: Matthew Endacott Office Manager: Lisa Adams TFL Carbon Manager: Dennis Hayles Seedbank Manager: Bruce Smith Marketing-Fundraising Manager: Carlene Calvert TFL Nursery: Graham Greaves, Brett Oakes

Trees For Life Rural Gawler: Sylvia Nieuwenhuizen 8406 8419 Noarlunga: Graham Greaves 8386 1018 Willunga: Julie Turner 8556 2401; Paul Rosser 8557 7483 Mt Gambier: Briony Schleuniger 8724 9759 Mt Pleasant: Ruth Charlesworth 8524 6661 Clare: Dean Schubert 8843 4317 Strathalbyn: Jo & Sue Scheiffers 8536 8053

Trees For Life Nursery Brooklyn Park, SA

Disclaimer

Trees For Life

Order quality seedlings for bulk or specialised projects. Choose from our provenance species lists or we can collect and grow seed and cuttings to order. Minimum order 1000 seedlings. Phone (08) 8406 0500 or info@treesforlife.org.au

Trees For Life fee based services by our professional staff

Become part of Visionary today from only $10 a month Trees For Life and our volunteers are totally focused on undoing the damage and protecting our natural environment. There is an urgent need for all of us as Australians to act now or be faced with leaving our next generation only photos of our rich diverse range of flora and wildlife. As a not-for-profit organisation, Trees For Life is dependent on both time and financial support of the community to continue our work. Visionary is Trees For Life’s regular giving program for members who contribute a tax deductible donation of at least $120 a year. To become a Visionary you can set up periodic payments using internet banking or we can direct debit from your credit card. my details name ................................................................................................................. address .............................................................................................................. postcode ............. email ................................................................... phone ................................. member no. ......................................................

credit card please debit $.............. from my every

 Mastercard  Visa

 month  3 months  6 months  year

card number __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ / __ __ __ __ exp date __ __ / __ __ name on card ...................................................................... signature ...............................................................................

For government, business and private landholders: • Bushland management • Fuel reduction control • Roadside vegetation management • Woody weed control • Bulk seed collection • Revegetation and bushland buffering • Tubestock planting • Tubestock grown to order • Direct seeding using locally collected seed • Site visits and land management advice

direct credit

Call TFL on (08) 8406 0500 to arrange a quote

Thank you for affirming your concern for our environment! As a Visionary we will send you an annual receipt for tax purposes and a summary of the program’s achievements.

 please send me Trees For Life’s bank account details so I can set up periodic payments via internet banking

one-off donation

 I am unable to join Visionary but I want to make a one-off donation of $...............

Please fill in your personal and payment details and send back to us at: Trees For Life Reply Paid 61156 Brooklyn Park SA 5032

VR1506

Trees For Life Winter 2015 Number 135

Seedlings available for Schools Tree Day ‘You Can Grow So Much’ is the theme for this year’s National Tree Day.

lanet Ark’s annual event turns 20 this year and since its inception, more than three million people have planted 21 million native trees, shrubs and grasses – including our very own Trees For Life volunteers! This year Schools Tree Day is being held on Friday, July 24 and National Tree Day is on Sunday, July 26. If your school wants to be involved this year, you can register an event and get support information from the National Tree Day website: treeday.planetark.org Trees For Life is offering discounts to South Australian school groups wanting native seedlings – just $25 for a box of 50 seedlings. For more information phone our Betty Westwood Nursery on (08) 8406 0500 (seedlings are pick-up only). Happy planting everyone and don’t forget to send us your photos or write and tell us how your Tree Day event went!

What’s the buzz about native bees?

f you think of bees, you probably think of black and gold honeybees and a painful sting! But did you know that a growing number of people are trying to attract bees to their gardens? The types of bees they are trying to attract however are NATIVE BEES. And they are very important to our environment. There are more than 200 native bee species in the Adelaide Hills region alone, largely active between September and April. These native bees – including blue-banded bees, masked bees, leafcutter bees and resin bees - are not aggressive and only sting if you grab them.

Why are they becoming more popular? Unlike the introduced European honeybee, native bees don’t produce honey. So why are they so important? A wide range of native plants rely totally on native bees for seed production and without pollination, we’d lose many species. Native bees are also good pollinators of fruit and vegetables. Blue Banded bees are particularly popular with tomato growers.

So how do we attract them? Native bees need food, places to nest and protection. They rely on pollen and nectar for food and feeding

Blue banded bees are buzz pollinators. They love native plants that feature blue or yellow flowers! their offspring, with flowering native plants the best. Try planting Christmas Bush (Bursaria spinosa), Acacias, Melaleucas for starters. As well as making sure you have the right native plant species in your garden, think about making your own bee hotels to ensure they have a place to live. These ‘hotels’ can be bundles of bamboo, straws or twigs, mudbrick blocks or wooden bee blocks with drilled holes in them. If you want to help our environment by increasing our native bee population, there is a lot of information about it on the internet. Do your research on the different types of native bees and work out which native plant species you need and the type of bee hotel which best suits different species. Good luck! (Source: Kersbrook Landcare Group Inc and University of Adelaide entomologist Dr Katja Hogendoorn).

New game for kids

uestagame is a free game which helps teach children about nature. It can be found at the App Store or on Google Play; great to load onto your smartphone and tablet and then used outdoors. Questagame topics include Birds; Moths and Butterflies; Ferns and Fungi and Locations. Visit www.questagame.com

Trees For Life. 5 May Tce, Brooklyn Park, SA, 5032. (08) 8406 0500 www.treesforlife.org.au