Hands on efforts to support the Margaret River

Have fun, make friends, connect with community and give our local nature a helping hand at an important tree planting event to support the Margaret River on May 18.

Promising to be one of the biggest volunteer community planting days organised by Nature Conservation Margaret River Region, come along and participate in on-ground revegetation work as well as a shared lunch and events for the kids on the banks of the river at Rosa Brook from 10am- 2.30pm.

Registrations are essential so visit www.natureconservation.org.au/events to reserve your spot.

There will also be an expert talk by Simon Cherriman, an award-winning Australian ornithologist, filmmaker, and author passionate about wildlife conservation.

Cherriman’s expertise in ecology and hands-on conservation inspires communities to protect native birds and animals.

His work blends science with storytelling, making complex environmental issues accessible and engaging to highlight the importance of preserving natural tree hollows while promoting sustainable alternatives.

Nature Conservation runs a large-scale community planting every May and previously it has been focussed on the lower catchment in and around Kevil Falls.

But this year promises to be the biggest yet, and the focus moves upstream towards the middle of the Margaret River catchment.

“This is an area of the river that really needs important revegetation work to protect the health of the waterway, reduce runoff, improve water quality, widen the riparian buffer zone, and provide food and shelter for our special wildlife,” says Nature Conservation engagement officer Jodie Passmore.

“The site is located on private land and we’ve teamed up with a private landholder who is chipping in to fund the work, and this is an area where we and the community can really make a difference to the Margaret River or Wooditjup Bilya,” Passmore said.

“We’re so excited to be able to offer expert talks and lunch as well as the chance to walk this special site, get your hands dirty, plant trees and care for country.

“We have thousands of plants to get into the ground, so we need all hands-on deck from our amazing community.”

The event brings together two Nature Conservation programs – the Friends of Wooditjup Bilya river restorers and the Protect Wooditjup Bilya initiative – as well as the conservation group’s on-ground Bush Regeneration Team.

They will be on-hand to inspire, educate and guide everyone who turns up to lend a hand, so volunteers don’t need any previous experience or expertise.

There will be a Welcome to Country by cultural custodian Zac Webb which includes a fascinating insight into the Wadandi connection to the river and its wildlife, and how they live alongside and nurture the Wooditjup Bilya.

“This is an amazing chance for the community to come along and hear Zac speak, and learn from and connect with Wadandi country and culture,” says Jodie.

“It’s also an awesome opportunity to come along, get your hands dirty, plant some seeds and trees, build community, have a ball and learn from some of our region’s most knowledgeable bush regeneration and conservation gurus.”

The Friends program has run for almost two years with a series of events featuring guided excursions.

It is generously funded by the AMR Shire, along with CrossFit Margaret River, Cape Mentelle and River Fresh IGA.

The Protect Wooditjup Bilya project was launched earlier this year with a focus on research, on-ground work like fencing and weed control, and community engagement through events and accessible information.

It is funded by The Ian Potter Foundation grant thanks to important seed funding from the Pater Foundation and collaborations with partners including the Shire, State NRM Program and the Water Corporation.

Bring weather protection, hat, water bottle and gloves and a trowel or rubber mallet if you have them.