General News
23 July, 2025
Hands joined to plant 2400 natives
More than 20 volunteers, including community members and local landowners, came together over the weekend to plant 2400 plants in Mount Arapiles.
The Horsham District Landcare Network's revegetation project, 'Community Planting Weekend,' at private properties helped plant 20 different kinds of native native tree and shrub species indigenous to the Wimmera to restore biodiversity and provide habitat.
Local Landcare Facilitator Jen Gao said the involvement of the people was impressive.
"Very happy and really impressed with the scale of revegetation, especially having lots of people involved connecting with nature, and hopefully this project will provide habitat for local flora and fauna species in the long term," she said.
The beautiful Mount Arapiles in the background and connecting with like-minded people were the catch of the weekend.
"I think the highlight was planting with views of the beautiful Djurite (Mount Arapiles) in the background, enjoying delicious food and getting to know like‑minded people while doing something meaningful for the environment."
The volunteers worked from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day, with 16 people attending on Saturday and 10 on Sunday, although some stayed for both days.
One landowner brought his two kids, aged three and five, to join the volunteers and helped with planting.
Ms Gao thanked the people for dirtying their hands for the cause.
"I'd like to thank everyone who volunteered their time to help on this vegetation project."
Funded through a Victorian Landcare Grant and supported by the CMA, the plantation project was made possible through collaboration between the landowners and Horsham District Landcare Network.
She said that interested people can get involved with the group via email or by visiting them on social media.
"If people are interested in getting involved with our Landcare and conservation and sustainable agriculture in the Horsham district, they can follow the Horsham District Landcare Network on social media; we have a website as well."
If anyone would like Landcare-related support, such as revegetation, weed control or nest boxes on their property, they can email me, Ms Gao, at facilitator@hdln.org.au.
Read More: Natimuk