One million plants to save our native bush land

An information day hosted by organisers of the new Margaret River Community Nursery saw more than 30 locals on hand to learn more about the group’s vision to grow one million native plants over the next 10 years.

Nature Conservation Margaret River Region (NCMRR) chair Ann Ward spoke of the incredible biodiversity of the Margaret River region and the need to revegetate and restore degraded areas.

Last year, NCMRR planted nearly 30,000 local native plants at various sites.

Maureen Munro from the Friends of Barrett Street Reserve discussed the various Friends Of Reserve groups which plant out local native species, and the need for a source of high quality local plants.

Margaret River Region Environment Centre’s (MRREC) Tracy Skippings said the MRREC site on Clarke Rd had been chosen as the location for the nursery.

She said the central location, as well as water and power made it a suitable site to kick off the nursery, but another larger site could be needed in the future.

Local native plant grower extraordinaire Jeremy Akerman, from the former Cowaramup Tube Nursery, gave a description and practical demonstration of the work required and the timelines for the first year.

He is planning to start 11,000 plants from seed this spring to ensure at least 10,00 healthy tube stock are ready for planting next winter.

The nursery will commence with plants that are easier to grow with seeds such as local Taxandria, Melaleuca, Ficinia and Juncus, and plant cuttings such as local Darwinia and Eutaxia species.

Environmental contractor and local weed guru Rick Ensley spoke about the need for ongoing support of volunteers to ensure plants were cared for, particularly over summer.

Meanwhile, Wayne Prangnell, who volunteers at the Tallinup Augusta Community Nursery, discussed the planning and development of the site in terms of infrastructure and of potential funding sources that are in the pipeline.

Wayne said he was awaiting the outcome of a grant application to the Shire of Augusta Margaret River expected next month, which would provide seed funding to establish the infrastructure and equipment to begin.

He noted the wholehearted support from the local community including the Friends of Reserve groups, Nature Conservation Margaret River Region, MRREC, Shire of Augusta Margaret River, Capes Foundation and added that Margaret River TAFE horticulture students were also keen to be involved with the project.

There is expected to be training opportunities for volunteers including seed collection, planting and pricking out of seed, and propagation of cuttings, as the project takes shape.

To find out more about volunteering for the project or how to donate to support it, contact MRcommunitynursery@gmail.com, and stay up to date through the Margaret River Community Nursery Facebook page.