Regrow project establishes its roots

30 October 2020

Green-thumbed kids from schools across the Bega Valley Shire are getting involved in a community project to regenerate bushfire impacted gardens.

Joining forces with charity, Convoy of Hope and local Mitre 10 stores, Bega Valley Shire Council is helping to fund the planting of more than 3500 native plants for people who lost gardens in the summer bushfires.

Council’s Environmental Education Officer, Natalie Ryan said the project is an avenue for students to be a part of the recovery process and support their local community and wildlife.

“This shows community involvement in recovery projects is still strong as we approach a year since the summer bushfires first arrived on our doorstep.

“Gardens, particularly native gardens, are often overlooked in their valued contribution to maintaining healthy wildlife havens and corridors.

“Having so many gardens lost in the summer bushfires is a big concern, so it’s wonderful to partner with local schools, Mitre 10 and Convoy of Hope to regenerate these ecosystems.”

The Regrow project involves children from 16 schools across the Shire nurturing and growing native tube stock until they are strong and ready for replanting in bushfire impacted gardens.

“It’s a joint effort, with kids getting their hands dirty while learning about the role of native vegetation in ecosystems, and Council and Convoy of Hope providing the funding for the project,” Ms Ryan said.

“Local Mitre 10 stores kindly stepped in by donating and delivering three palettes of potting mix, and the pots were donated by The Hamilton family at Kangarutha Farm.

“Over the coming months and years, these plants will grow to become an important part of the ecosystem. They’ll provide habitat and corridors that enable wildlife to move between larger patches of native vegetation.”

Schools participating in the project are: Bega Valley Public School, Bega High School, Bemboka Public School, St Patricks Bega, Sapphire Coast Anglican College, Thomas More Christian Montessori School, Eden Marine High School, Candelo Public School, Wyndham Public School, Quaama Public School, Wolumla Public School, Tathra Public School, Merimbula Public School, ?Eden Public School, Tanja Public School, and Towamba Public School.

For more information on the Regrow Project, contact Natalie Ryan on 6499 2222.