Our guides teamed up with local conservation groups to restore a section of the Margaret River and replant natives for habitat and wildlife. It was so inspiring to be part of a massive community planting with 170 locals! We planted more than 1800 seedlings. And helped restore almost 800m of riparian zone along the upper reaches of the Margaret River.
What a great initiative that our guides Floss Hayes, Andrew Green and Trev Paddenburg were part of. The day was led by our peak local conservation group Nature Conservation Margaret River Region. This is their account of the great work that was carried out.
Biggest tree planting day of the year
Hats off to the incredible community who attended Sunday’s tree planting day, with 170 local legends, 1800 seedlings planted and almost 800m of the Margaret River or Wootijup Bilya on its way to be restored.
It was one of the biggest volunteer community planting days organised by Nature Conservation Margaret River Region for the year and supported by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River. There was on-ground revegetation work. As well as a shared lunch. And events for the kids on the banks of the river at Rosa Brook. And what a way to top the day off, with engaging talks from cultural custodian Zac Webb and ornithologist Simon Cherriman.
Kids, friends and neighbours working to the protect the Margaret River
Nature Conservation runs a large-scale community planting every May and previously it has been focussed on the lower catchment. But this year, the focus moved upstream towards the middle of the Margaret River catchment.
“It’s just so encouraging to see the numbers for this event to grow every year. People who live in this region are so connected to nature. They want to see it thrive. And they are turning up with their kids and friends and neighbours to ensure this place remains special, and that our biodiversity is given the best chance,” said Nature Conservation engagement officer Jodie Passmore.
A special feeling to be caring for country
Nature Conservation chair Dr Ann Ward said: “We’re here at a great community planting day. The sun’s shining, there is so much happening. We’re getting plants in the ground, right next to the river. This is the most important thing we can do and, combined with fencing, we’re actually helping to improve the quality of the river. It just makes my heart proud.”
That was echoed by Cape to Cape Explorer Tours guide Trev Paddenburg. He attended along with guides Floss and Andrew. And he said it was not only good fun, but a heartwarming experience. “There was such a great vibe. And it was heaps of fun. Not to mention super rewarding knowing we are caring for this special piece of country,” he said.
Walk with our inspiring guides on the Cape to Cape in the Margaret River region
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