Landcare Led Landscape Resilience Project

Project Outcome 1: Updating Key Resources.

A new revegetation guide has been created to ensure best practice revegetation strategies. To enhance accessibility, a web-based version of the guide was created as well as an electronic document and hard copy print of the books.

Project Outcome 2: Local Network of Trial and Demonstration

Showcasing best-practice strategies for achieving positive economic and environmental impacts on native vegetation restoration, with long-term monitoring to establish robust data sets for future efforts. There are are four main objectives in this project outcome:

Where, What and When to Plant

Comparing revegetation methods:

• Tube stock
• Direct seeding
• Seed balls

Examining:

• Planting densities
• Timing of planting
• Carbon vs. biodiversity outcomes

Managing Landscapes

Best practice strategies for landscape management:

• Long stem planting
• In-stream planting
• Thinning for understory
• Restoring cultural land management

Not Just Trees

Best practices for understory restoration in:

• Cypress remnants
• Failed farm forestry sites
• Mature tree lines
• Areas of natural regeneration
• Farm dams and waterways
• Open grasslands
• Techniques: scalping, ripping, mulching

Supporting Others

Building a Community of Practice through:

• Engaging communities
• Educating practitioners
• Collaborating with industries
• Disseminating knowledge
• Cultural engagement
• Interagency teamwork

The use of technology and online resources, have enabled us to break down the information within the Revegetation Guide books, into an interactive online space.

The information on the new Revegetation website page is set out in four main sections, which can be accessed from the main menu. These four sections are:

Chapters – Planning, design and practical information about implementing your revegetation.

Deeper Reads – Detailed looks at specific areas, such as Climate-ready Revegetation, Managing Wetlands, Mistletoe, Natural Capital, Rural Dieback and Paddock Trees, and much, much more (coming soon).

Interative Area Map – Find what sub-catchment you are in and head to the relevant vegetation profiles for a list of plant species recommended for revegetation in your area (click here).

Plant Profiles – Plant descriptions of the most common species across the South West Slopes and Riverina regions.

Local Network of Trial Demonstration Sites

We are working with landholders to run 32 funded and non funded demonstration sights.

These sites will demonstrate revegetation techniques that focus on drought and climate resilience. Initially baseline data of each site is recorded, before using best practice site preparation and then planting. Maintenance records will be kept over time including costs, success factors, weather restraints and observations. This data collected will be used for future research and case study analysis. 

Henty Machinery Field Days- Launch of Reveg Guides

On September 18, 2024, Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc and Holbrook Landcare Network hosted the Official Launch Event for the Native Vegetation Guide of the Riverina and South West Slopes and the Revegetation Guide Project. Held at 11:30 AM at the ‘Stump’, the event saw 900 participants come together to learn about best practices in revegetation and environmental restoration. Following the launch, attendees were invited to visit the Landcare Shed for refreshments and to access a range of information, guides, and printed materials, all aimed at enhancing the resilience of community and professional efforts in an increasingly climate-uncertain future.

At the 2023 Henty Machinery Field Days, the project team also launched the initial project scope and expressions of interest for participants in the trial and demonstration sites, as well as Revegitation Guides contributions.

Rooted in Resilience Workshop

On the 4th of September 2024, the “Rooted in Resilience – Restoration Goals and Seed Supply” event was held at the Narrandera Ex-Servicemen’s Club.

The forum brought together experts and practitioners to address challenges in achieving effective restoration goals, particularly the constrained supply of local provenance seeds critical for climate resilience and whole-ecosystem restoration in grassy ecosystems.

The morning featured a lineup of engaging speakers. Martin Driver provided a regional perspective on 30 years of restoration and seed supply efforts, while Paul Gibson-Roy discussed restoration and nature repair in native grassy communities. Samantha Craigie from Greening Australia shared insights from Project Phoenix, and Natasha Lappin highlighted the future resilience of local seed collection and supply. Peter Dixon from Landcare NSW rounded out the session by discussing the organization’s work in seed supply and revegetation. A panel Q&A allowed for further exploration of these topics.

In the afternoon, attendees visited the Murrumbidgee Valley National Park revegetation sites, hosted by Leigh Matheison (MLi) and NPWS Ranger Lauryn Harper. The site tour, approximately 12km from Narrandera, showcased sandhill revegetation efforts and provided a hands-on opportunity to discuss practical approaches to improving restoration outcomes.

Murrnong Farm Field Day

On the 30th of August 2024, the Murrnong Farm Field Day took place at 8443 Hume Highway, Coolac, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

The event showcased best-practice strategies for restoring native vegetation with positive economic and environmental outcomes.

Miriam and Mason Crane, the property owners, shared their inspiring journey of transforming a farm with just 38 old paddock trees into a thriving, biodiverse property teeming with grasses, shrubs, trees, and wildlife. A guided farm tour allowed attendees to see their restoration work firsthand and learn about their methods.

The field day concluded with a Q&A session, where participants could ask questions and gain deeper insights into native vegetation restoration. The event provided valuable inspiration and practical knowledge for those interested in sustainable land management.

Native Seed Collection Workshop Session 1 – Schools Students

On the 13th of November 2023, the School Seed Workshop was held in Young, bringing together students, educators, and environmental experts for a hands-on experience in plant identification and seed collation.

Facilitated by Tom Deery, the workshop provided an engaging program that included discussions on the purpose of seed collection projects, safety briefings, and a guided outdoor session at the gardens. Students worked in groups to complete worksheets, identify plants, and collect seeds under Tom’s guidance. The activity emphasised collaboration, environmental stewardship, and practical skills in biodiversity conservation.

After returning to the school, participants cleaned their collected seeds and reflected on the day with a final Q&A session. The workshop concluded with a lunch break for the students, leaving them inspired and better equipped to continue their work as eco-warriors.

Native Seed Collection Workshop Session 2 – Community

On the 13th of November 2023, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, a hands-on Seed Collection Workshop was held at Spring Glen, Maimuru SS Rd, Maimuru NSW 2594.

The event was facilitated by Tom Deery, who guided participants through the native seed collection and its significance for environmental conservation.

During the workshop, attendees gained insights into the importance of seed collection for maintaining healthy ecosystems and promoting biodiversity. They were introduced to the fundamentals of plant identification, enabling them to recognise various native plant species. A guided outdoor activity allowed participants to collect seeds directly from the local flora, providing a practical and immersive learning experience.

Tom also demonstrated proper seed storage techniques, emphasising how to preserve seeds effectively for future propagation efforts. The event concluded with a Q&A session, where participants had the opportunity to engage directly with Tom and deepen their understanding of seed collection practices.

Additional resources, including books, seeds, and tools, were made available to support attendees in continuing their seed collection journey beyond the workshop. This event provided an invaluable opportunity for community members to connect with nature and contribute to environmental sustainability.

Regroup on Revegetation Forum

On the 7th of December 2022, the “Regroup on Revegetation” forum was held to shape the Future Drought Fund Project, Landcare-led Landscape Resilience.

Facilitated by Susan Benedyka, the event focused on the critical role of revegetation in enhancing farm resilience by building natural capital. Participants engaged in discussions on the impact of climate change on revegetation practices, achieving environmental, cultural, and social outcomes, and transitioning from traditional grant funding to environmental market investments.

The forum began with a Welcome to Country by Aunty Cheryl Penrith, followed by presentations from experts including Geoff Simpson on integrating culture into landscape management, Nigel Jones and Stuart Young (BCT) on revegetation success, and Graham Fifield (Greening Australia) on funding through environmental markets. A panel session explored key revegetation guides for the South West Slopes and the Riverina, followed by an interactive Q&A.

Participants collaborated in small group discussions to identify opportunities to build on past successes, develop best-practice principles for revegetation, and establish guidelines for demonstration sites. The forum fostered practical, science-based solutions and shared knowledge to drive sustainable revegetation efforts and enhance landscape resilience.

Children’s Native Seed ID and Seed Collection Worksheet

This was used at the students Seed ID Workshop in Young.

This document includes a descriptive page on ‘What type of plant am I looking at?’ and three copies of the plant worksheet.

What is a Vegetation Profile?

This document outlines what a subcatchment is, and how they are represented in the visual 2-dimensional diagram, which is used in the Revegetation Guides. There are also some basic terms outlines of how landforms, vegetation structure, geology and soils guide the compilation of species lists for each subcatchment.

Creating Vegetation Profiles for North of the Murrumbidgee – Case Study

This case study reflects on the projects key steps in the process, objectives, recipe for success and learnings from the project.

Murrumbidgee Landcare Team at the Henty Machinery Field Days 2024

The Murrumbidgee Landcare Team participated in the Henty Machinery Field Days from 17th to 19th September 2024 in the Landcare Shed at Block C, Site 43. This year’s focus was the launch of the updated Native Vegetation Guide of the Riverina and South West Slopes and Revegetation Guide books. The guides, developed with the Holbrook Landcare Network and funded by the Future Drought Fund, provided best practice for enhancing resilience in revegetation and environmental restoration. The official launch took place at 11:30am on Wednesday 18th at the ‘Stump’.

Initial Expression of Interest for the Demonstration Sites

The Landcare-Led Resilience Project previously sought expressions of interest to establish 16 demonstration revegetation sites during 2023/2024, focusing on techniques to enhance climate and farm resilience, such as site preparation methods, planting densities, and species mixes. Funded by the Australian Government Future Drought Fund, the program supported landholders with fencing materials, site preparation, and planting costs, requiring a landholder contribution. Applications closed on 30 April 2023, with eligible sites assessed for inclusion, contributing to public case studies and future research.

Leigh and Annika attend Biodiversity Field Day at Wirraminna

On Thursday, 31 October, Leigh Mathieson and Annika Colenso attended the “Sowing the Seeds of Biodiversity” event at the Wirraminna Environmental Education Centre in Burrumbuttock.

The field day, led by Martin Driver from Plains Sense Vegetation Management, taught landholders techniques to improve grassy woodland groundcover. Participants explored restoration sites and the Seed Production Area, gaining insights from experts Judy Frankenberg and Sue Rose, along with Tash Lappin from Murray Local Land Services who shared knowledge on seed collection and plant diversity.

Coming soon …

Videos with Landholders

Holbrook Landcare Network and Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc, partnered together in this project.

The project’s success hinged on strong collaboration across different groups. Engaging Landcare members, local councils, and experts not only filled knowledge gaps but also fostered a sense of ownership and commitment to the profiles’ long-term use.

This project was funded through the Federal Government’s Future Drought Fund – Drought Resilient Soils and Landscapes Grants Program, our Landcare-led Landscape Resilience – Tools and Data for Restoration Decisions’ project will aim to boost private, on farm investment in natural capital and enhance resilience through climate-ready revegetation.