Plantout forges ahead

Wimmera landcare leaders believe tree plantouts must continue during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep public focus centred on improving environmental outcomes.

Project Platypus Upper Wimmera Landcare Network plans to plantout more than 2700 seedlings at Elmhurst at the weekend.

The plantout normally coincides with National Tree Day on August 2, but will instead run one week earlier this year.

Wimmera Catchment Management Authority has contracted workers through a Working for Victoria program to help with the planting.

Unlike previous years where more than 50 people have helped in the process, only a small group of volunteers will assist the CMA contractors to complete the task.

The organisation’s landcare facilitator Andrea Mitchell said plantouts were more important than ever, especially following a catastrophic 2019-20 bushfire season.

“It is even more necessary, particularly this season while we have good rain. You never want to miss a season,” she said.

“We really wanted to push the plantout harder this year, but we just can’t due to this pandemic.”

This year’s plantout continues on a collaborative Grampians to Pyrenees Bio-link Conservation Action Plan, to restore ecological connectivity between ranges in the regions.

Ms Mitchell said trees would eventually provide vital natural habitat and food source for insects, animals and birds.

“When you put those plants out, it’s like building a pantry for the birds and animals, and once you’ve got those plants growing – it’s a food source,” she said.

“It’s becomes an open pantry for them to select want they want, that’s why you need a diversity of planting so there is a diversity of food and habitat resources.”

Ms Mitchell said in addition to raising awareness about environmental issues, the National Tree Day event was a chance to connect with people.

She said that aspect would be ‘sadly missed’ this year due to extended coronavirus physical-distancing measures.

“It’s a really good morale boosting event too,” she said.

“People are feeling a bit more vulnerable, and things are a little less sure in life due to COVID-19.

“But we need to encourage hope – part of that is joining Landcare, going and planting a tree and doing anything that helps the environment.”

Ms Mitchell said it was up to everyone to care for the environment.

“We need to make sure every day is a tree day. Look after your landscape, be aware and observe,” she said.

“It’s absolutely imperative we keep planting because we’re increasing biodiversity – we’re increasing awareness, especially in times of climate change.

“It’s more necessary than ever that we’re involved in our environment rather than being a bystander.”