On a warm April day under crystal clear skies, Big Scrub Rainforest Conservancy passed an exciting milestone with the planting of the first trees at our new home in McLeans Ridges.
With the help of 45 community volunteers, around 500 plants were planted to mark the next step in development of the site, which will become home to Science Saving Rainforests’ (SSR) living seedbank plantation.
The very first plant to go in the ground was planted by our Co-Founder and conceiver of Science Saving Rainforests, Dr Tony Parkes.
“Who could have imagined when we started the group 32 years ago, that we’d be developing such an amazing property for a world-first in rainforest restoration,” Tony said, before planting one of his favourite species, a Blue Quandong.
“A big thanks to our amazing supporters who’ve made it possible for us to turn our vision into a reality. We can’t wait to continue this journey with you as we progressively create the world’s first multi-species, living seedbank plantation.”
The planting consisted of riparian and mixed rainforest species, including a grove of Bangalow Palms (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana) interspersed with Blue Quandong (Eleaocarpus grandis) that will one day emerge from the canopy, recreating a commonly occurring vegetation type in wet areas of the Big Scrub. The plants for the planting were donated by local landowner, Vicki Brooke (pictured above alongside Tony), who, not content with regenerating her own land, generously pitched in to help improve riparian habitat for the site’s impressive array of wetland species.
President of Big Scrub Rainforest Conservancy, Mark Dunphy, echoed Tony’s thanks and led the group in the planting and a tour of the site. “We couldn’t be luckier to have received this site with its amazing lake, gullies and vantage points where we’ll one day be able to sit and enjoy views of the seedbank and stands of growing rainforest,” Mark said.
This is only the beginning of our planting days with big plans to come! If you’d like to come along to help out at future plantings, please sign up here: http://eepurl.com/crNMaX
With most of the SSR leaf sampling complete and DNA analysis and growing of propagules underway, we expect the first of the genetically-optimal saplings to go in the ground later this year or early next year.
Over the past few months, we’ve been preparing the 38-acre site for:
– The plantation of around 2,000 trees – the seedlings chosen for their genetic diversity and resilience to climate change
– A self-guided walk around the site and lake to tell the story of the Big Scrub’s creation, demise and regeneration.
We need your support to build not only SSR’s living seedbank plantation but also a “Journey Through Time” style walk around the lake to tell the full story of the Big Scrub and other facilities. Please donate to support this world-first project and help save the Big Scrub and other subtropical rainforests from extinction.
