Despite the cold and drizzle, Sunday 28 July—National Tree Day—blossomed into a beautiful day at Watchalunga Nature Reserve. Our dedicated team of Nature Foundation staff, members, supporters, and volunteers came together to plant 1,750 native seedlings, a significant contribution to the critical habitat of the endangered Mount Lofty Ranges Southern Emu-wren. This collective effort is a testament to our community's shared commitment to conservation.

Nature Foundation has been holding our annual planting days at Watchalunga since 2017. Along with being an important part of our conservation work at the wetland reserve, they are a popular opportunity for our growing member, volunteer, and supporter base to experience our nature reserves and get their hands dirty for a good cause!

The event began with a heartfelt Welcome to Country from Ngarrindjeri Elder Auntie Leonie followed by an informative update on the conservation activity at Watchalunga from Nature Foundation's Science and Knowledge Program Officer, Dr Lucy Clive, and planting demonstration by Aaron from Second Nature Conservancy who assist us with management activities at Watchalunga.

The group then got stuck into laying out the seedlings and tree guards on the pre-drilled holes (thanks Second Nature Conservancy!) before planting. We planted a mix of native groundcovers, rushes, sedges and shrubs that, over time, will create the thick cover that Mount Lofty Ranges Southern Emu-wrens prefer for nesting and hiding.

Following the morning's work, we stopped for a well-deserved hot lunch courtesy of the Finniss General Store.

Once again, a sincere thank you to everyone who attended and supported the day. Your presence and efforts have made a significant difference to the Watchalunga Nature Reserve and, most importantly, to our endangered Emu-wren population. Your contribution is not just appreciated, but it is also vital to our conservation efforts.


Photos by Bill Doyle and Sputnik. See Facebook photo album here or below.