The Southern Tablelands Tree Start Growers Network is bringing people together to make a real difference for our environment. Launched in late 2024, this grassroots initiative is empowering local volunteers to grow native seedlings from home, supporting vital revegetation efforts across the region.
A Project Rooted in Collaboration
The idea for the Tree Start Growers Network took inspiration from similar programs running successfully in Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. Thanks to funding from a NSW Environmental Trust education grant, the project set out to support 20 landholders over two growing seasons to cultivate 8,000 plants.
But interest in the program was overwhelming! With 27 landholders eager to get involved, additional funding was secured through a koala restoration grant, allowing even more plants to be grown for habitat restoration.
Recognising the potential of working together, the Upper Murrumbidgee Landcare Network (UMLC) teamed up with the Upper Shoalhaven Landcare Council (USLC). USLC was already managing a bushfire recovery grant through the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife, which included a commitment to grow 10,000 canopy species. By joining forces, the two groups expanded the reach of the project, signing up over 50 additional volunteer growers and creating the Southern Tablelands Tree Start Growers Network.
Propagation Power: Volunteers Get Growing!
Growing thousands of trees takes a village, and that’s exactly what’s happening!
The network kicked off its first propagation session in Michelago in September 2024. Despite strong winds (and the occasional airborne seed!), the team powered through and planted over 3,000 tubestock and the day was a huge success.
Two weeks later, over 30 dedicated volunteers turned up in Braidwood for the second propagation workshop, rolling up their sleeves and getting another 6,000 native seedlings into tubes. With these incredible efforts, the project is well on its way to reaching its target of 10,000 canopy species by May 2025.
Growers tended to these plants over a six-month period, carefully watering, thinning, and weeding to ensure healthy growth. In March, thousands of plants were collected from growers and are now set to be redistributed into various projects, making their way into the landscape. These plants will go on to support Landcare revegetation projects, helping restore habitat and strengthen local biodiversity.
How We’re Keeping It Growing
Volunteer growers have access to a troubleshooting guide, training videos, and will soon have access to a grower’s handbook. Social media keeps the groups connected and allow growers to share tips and get advice. Native nursery expert Kelly Stubbs is on hand to assist with plant-growing questions.
Looking ahead, the project will run seed collection sessions and community planting days, ensuring these trees make it from propagation trays into the landscape. Plus, as part of the education grant, school sessions on bush tucker have already started, with new bush tucker gardens taking shape.
Get Involved!
If you love the idea of growing native plants and being part of an inspiring community project, we’d love to have you on board. Expressions of interest for the next growing season are open now.
For more details, contact Upper Shoalhaven Landcare Coordinator Erin Brinkley at [email protected] or Upper Murrumbidgee Landcare Coordinator Georgina Story [email protected].
The Southern Tablelands Tree Start project would like to thank our partners Upper Murrumbidgee Landcare, Upper Shoalhaven Landcare, Wagtail Natives Nursery, and Lyn Ellis, whose dedication and expertise have been instrumental in the success of this initiative. This project has been made possible through the generous support of the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife’s Bushfire Recovery Nurseries Grant Project, and we extend our gratitude for their commitment to environmental restoration and community-driven conservation efforts.
