September 2005 - 1000 trees and shrubs planted |
During September 2005, with the valuable assistance of
Greening Australia and extended family members we managed to plant just
over 1000 plants along the lower portion of our creek which forms a
tributary of the Burra creek catchment area. The area had been
previously grazed by Angus cattle and was now closed off. During this
period we experienced substantial rainfalls. The creek filled forming
pools that were large and deep enough to go swimming. The plants during
the September to December period grew in a spectacular manner. At this
stage we were looking at a 95% success rate. Planting included native
grasses, ribbon gum (Eucalyptus viminalis), silver wattle (Acacia
dealbata), snow gum (E. pauciflora), black sally (E.
stellulata), swamp gum (E. camphora) and a wide range of
other varieties. The project was clearly a great success. |
|
Restoration of Burra
Creek on Rosewood
Hugh Spencer, February 2006 |
| During this period, extensive slashing and mowing was
required around the home to ensure that the fire risk would be reduced.
Everything grew! January, however, saw two things occur,
repeated record 40 degree
temperatures, that were so intense that even regularly watered areas
struggled to survive, and plague proportions of grasshoppers.
The combination of the two events has had a devastating effect on the
plantings and the gardens over all. (We have a moderately large formal
garden in the home paddock.)
The heat and dryness has certainly killed many plants and the
subsequent grasshopper attack has denuded a large number of the trees.
At this stage probably only 20% of plantings have survived. Autumn may
see plants that have been denuded recover but at this stage this is an
unknown. |
Severe Grasshopper damage which has
denuded plants combined with extreme January temperatures. Not dead yet
(February 2006) but not healthy either. |
Some species have survived and grew significantly following planting
|
What has survived Grasses
generally are in a better shape than most things. They have dried off
but you can see that they still are alive. Eucalyptus viminalis
and some of the taller gums to my great surprise have faired better.
Chewed but living!
What hasn’t fared well
Snow gum and black sally have done very poorly and these were the
really hardy species! I think the heat was simply too much. Wattles also
have not done well
Where to now?
Intensive watering and some grasshopper spraying. Bit wary as
spraying can kill other things like birds, bees and other desirable
insects as well. |
| The reality is despite the failure rate,
closing off the paddocks has had a spectacular effect on the
rejuvenation of the native grasses. We saw fantastic wild flower
displays in the spring. These grasses and the ground cover are still
there. From an erosion perspective the project is a clear success with a
dramatic improvement in the banks.
We will undertake further planting in Autumn and cross our fingers. I
suspect that creating our forest will just take a bit longer than
expected.
Nevertheless we would like to thank the efforts of the Greening Australia staff and the project has made a difference already
in the short time. |
|
|
|
The Molonglo River Restoration
Project is funded by |
|
For information
about the Molonglo River Restoration Project contact
Angela Calliess on
6253 3035 or
acalliess@act.greeningaustralia.org.au
|
|
 |
