Project Description

Stage 2 construction of the botanical garden, including propagation of seed and cuttings of shrubs and tree species and the continued seed dispersal of local forbs for planing in 2019

Aim:

Australian Wildlife Conservancy which is located on the botanically rich boundary of temperate woodlands and semi-arid shrublands with a huge diversity of flora (over 650 sp. confirmed) and lies within an international hot spot for wildflowers and many of the plants are endemic to the region. The project will highlight rare, threatened and interesting flora in the region including wildflowers and threatened species. To provide the second stage to the garden/nature trail which will be available for visitors to walk through and learn about the plants and ecosystems they inhabit and will incorporate indigenous and ecological knowledge.

Activity:

Visit and consultation from Kings Park staff on propagation methods for native species which will be passed on in education and involvement of community and visitors to the region in ecosystems and native flora of the region including wildflowers. Involvement of indigenous rangers and teach them methods of seed and cutting collection and propagation. Volunteers or schools will be involved in keeping the seedlings/cuttings alive until a community planting day is held to plant them in the garden where they will learn about Mount Gibson’s conservation and land management work and their role in it.  Seed has been collected from a large variety of native flora and planted out in 2018. Badimia elders have been contacted to help provide information in interpretive panels. Design and construct reintroduced animal metal sculptures for the trail to introduce educational aspects on these threatened species abd their ecological roles in the environment.

Outcome:

By mid-2019 plants will be planted in the botanic garden, have engaged volunteers and Aboriginal Ranger and to produce interpretive signs and a booklet or tour notes. Propagation of 10 species of native plants and direct seeding of annual wildflowers. Completion of reticulation system and installation of interpretive signage.  Attendance at Gunduwa Forum at the Dalwallinu Show to present poster to the community. Recruitment of Aboriginal Ranger Gloria Fogarty who provided information for the interpretative signs, constructed traditional Badimia shelter “Mia mia” in botanic garden and emu statue as well as planting of seeds and weeding site. A donated shade house was put together by staff and community volunteers. The appointment of our Aboriginal Ranger has helped all staff, volunteers and visitors better understand local traditional land practices and Traditional Ecological Knowledge.

Project Details

• OrganisationAustralian Wildlife Conservancy
• Year2018
• Funding$16,302.00