71,000 new seedlings for Roe 8 Wildlife Corridor

At the season’s first community planting event on 21 June, 30 volunteers of all ages gathered to help plant 600 seedlings.

In coming weeks students from local high schools will get involved in the project and another community volunteer planting day is set down for 9am-12 noon, Saturday 25 July at North Lake Reserve in Bibra Lake.

City of Cockburn Roe 8 Rehabilitation Project Manager Linda Metz said the remainder of the seedlings would be planted out by local ecological restoration contractors, including social enterprise Workpower and Bibra Lake-based Natural Area Management Services.

“This program will increase habitat values and benefit a range of local native animals including threatened species such as the Carnaby’s and Forest Red-tail Black Cockatoos,” Ms Metz said.

“Other priority listed species such as Quendas also can increase their numbers with the provision of good vegetation cover to protect them from predators, and provide food.

“Tubestock will be planted across seven areas from Bibra Drive through to Stock Road. This will include infill into areas planted in 2018 and 2019 to ensure levels of density provide the best opportunity for restoration success.

“Planning for this year’s revegetation program has been ongoing since last September when seed collection and plant propagation began.”

“It takes many months to collect seed, some of which was collected in 2018 and 2019 and get it to the stage where it can be successfully planted.

“Plant material used in propagation has been sourced from areas within a 50km radius of the project site to ensure as much local adaptability as possible.”

For the 25 July event, participants will need to bring their own gloves, water bottles and refreshments in line with COVID-19 hygiene practices. All tools and equipment will be provided. Social distancing measures will be in place during the event.

Meet at the entry gate on Hope Road. Parking is limited. Register here opens in a new window.