We are planting locally indigenous plants into a degraded chenopod woodland riverine area abutting the town of Merbein in arid North West Victoria.
All plants are sourced and planted according to a map prepared in a commissioned report.
We commissioned the report to make best use of our money, grant money and our volunteers.
All planting has to be carefully done by hand to observe Cultural Heritage concerns.
We know that watering for at least the first two years is essential and that the greatest part of successful plant establishment in our arid environment and salty soil is accurate watering.
None of our plants in this zone are Big Trees which may be disappointment to some but visitors and locals come to appreciate the diversity of birds, lizards and insects who frequent the planted areas. Looking to the West, on Main Avenue North, inappropriate plantings can be seen suffering dieback since they relied on a constant large supply of water from businesses that are no longer located in Merbein.
The walking tracks through this area of Merbein Common are receiving increasing traffic as local housing estate's fill up. The tracks are also used to access the greater Northern area of Merbein Common between Wentworth Road and the Murray River.