In early March a small group of volunteers accompanied Restoration Manager, Doug Laurie, on a field trip to Chittering. The aim of the trip was to check on the progress of the seedlings planted as part of our Dabakarn Restoration Project last year, and also to collect seed from the established bushland at this site.
Temperatures soared into the mid 30s, but under the shade of the old Corymbia calophylla (Marri) trees, we collected a huge amount of seed – probably about 80kg! Over 200 years old, their ancient branches drooped to the ground allowing for easy picking. The Eucalyptus wandoo was a little harder to pick but still successful, but the Eucalyptus marginata (Jarrah) seed was not yet mature.
These seeds will be processed as part of the new Trillion Trees Native Seed Project. In the coming weeks, we are expecting delivery of a new seed storage shed and equipment to kick start this initiative, which will be funded by a $50,000 grant from the Western Australian Government’s State NRM Program.
After a BBQ lunch, the team switched their attention to monitoring of the plants from the 2025 Activate Saplings Dabakarn planting. It is too early to suggest survival rates but there are some areas of great success. Some infill planting is planned for Winter 2026, to replace losses of Corymbia calophylla and Eucalyptus marginata.
