In collaboration with Trees for Life, Rotary Adelaide initiated a project to grow trees from seeds, aimed at re-establishing the state's native flora on Eyre Peninsula.

Article by VP Zing Hai Tan, RC of Adelaide

Trees for Life, a non-profit organization, has been actively working to restore the state's natural landscapes since 1982. They have accomplished many milestones over the years, including planting over 30 million trees, shrubs, and grasses across the region. Their primary goal is to conserve and expand the biodiversity of the state by re-establishing indigenous flora.

About 10 members of Rotary Adelaide along with some of their partners volunteered for the project, which began in November 2022. They collected their tree-growing kits from member Julie Johnson's house, which included soil, seeds, fertiliser, white gravel mulch, and plastic tubes for growing seedlings. The types of trees included flowering gums and melaleucas, which are known for their resilience and ability to thrive in South Australia's arid conditions.

The seedlings, which have now grown into sturdy saplings, will be sent to a farm on Eyre Peninsula near Cummins, where they will be planted to support the reforestation efforts of Trees for Life. The project's success was made possible by the dedication and hard work of the Rotary Adelaide members who volunteered their time and effort to ensure the seedlings grew successfully.

The Rotary Adelaide Club's initiative is commendable and serves as an inspiration to others to take part in environmental conservation efforts in their communities. The project is a testament to the power of collaboration and the positive impact that a community can have when working together towards a common goal.

During a video call with the farmer's son Peter, he advised that the saplings grown by the Rotary Adelaide Club will be planted strategically on their property to tackle environmental challenges specific to the region.

Peter mentioned that the melaleucas will be planted alongside the creek on the property to offset the salinity. Salinity is a common issue in the region, and the growth of these trees will play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the creek and the surrounding area.

Additionally, the flowering gums will be planted to take up the excess water and lower the water table over time. This is a vital step towards managing the water table in the area and ensuring that the surrounding land remains healthy and productive.

The saplings grown by Rotary Adelaide Club will be a valuable addition to the Trees for Life reforestation efforts. The careful selection and placement of these trees will help to tackle specific environmental challenges in the region and ensure the long-term sustainability of the ecosystem.

This project serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration between communities, farmers, and conservation organizations to tackle environmental challenges. The efforts of Rotary Adelaide Club and Trees for Life are a shining example of how a community can come together to make a positive impact on the environment and create a better future for generations to come.