Volunteers set for massive planting

Volunteers from across Australia and beyond will attempt to plant more than 13,000 trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses at key west Wimmera sites during a weekend in July.

Organisers of Hindmarsh Landcare Network’s 22nd annual Project Hindmarsh plantout weekend are busy preparing for an influx of visitors to tackle the project.

The plantout, from July 5 to 7, with the main planting day on Saturday, will target remnant vegetation sites at Gerang Gerung, Boyeo and Sandsmere.

Event spokesman Darryl Argall said

the aim of this year’s revegetation effort was to plant threatened species that provided supportive habitat for native wildlife.

“The project involves recreating understory habitat that has significantly diminished over many years,” he said.

“It’s about establishing plant life under taller vegetation, such as remnant trees, to encourage an environment where wildlife can survive and flourish.”

The plantout is part of a broader Project Hindmarsh concept responsible for the gradual landscape transformation across large areas of the north-west Wimmera and southern Mallee.

Mr Argall said registrations to be part of the planting effort had opened and 51 of the 140 planters needed were already confirmed.

“We need another 90-odd people to

“It’s about establishing plant life under taller vegetation, such as remnant trees, to encourage an environment where wildlife can survive and flourish” – Darryl Argall

register and we guarantee they will all be well fed and watered,” he said.

“Some of the people who get involved have been doing if for years, but this event has been going for 22 years and there are always new faces.

“People come from all over place, including overseas.

“This is a great weekend, not only for the environment but also for people and represents a great link where the city meets the country.

“There are people from all walks of life – doctors, accountants, teachers, you name it – they all come out in rain, hail or shine.” the

This year’s project will have its headquarters at Nhill showground, where Hindmarsh service groups will provide catering.

Mr Argall said a Saturday night dinner provided by the district’s Karen community would be a major highlight.

He also thanked ACE Radio Broadcasters, which has provided strong annual financial backing since the planting weekends started.

People can register to be part of the weekend activities through Hindmarsh Landcare Network’s website www.hindmarshlandcare.org.au and on the network’s Facebook page.