When we joined a local Landcare group, they told us we may be able to get funding for a project on our property. The Landcare Coordinator inspected our property and told us how to go about it. We put in a submission that listed the following points.
There were other components as well
Our grant arrived late in 1999 and was added to the Group's funds . From then on all project costs were passed to the group for payment.
In April of 2000, we and some friends commenced planting. That year we put in 200 trees. Fortunately rain came a week or two later. Around that time we purchased a solar electric fence from our funds in order to control any stock we had at the time and keep them away from the trees. Later when the trees were more established we were able to put stock in the area to keep the grass down.
THE NEXT STAGE
In 2001 I prepared the site for the second stage of the project. Fortunately that year our land care coordinator was able to enlist some help for us from the Green Corps group. A small group of people arrived one morning and had the next 200 trees planted before 1:00 PM that day! After recent rains the land was very wet in places and some trees were actually planted in water. In this area we put narrow and wide leafed ti-trees [melaleuca species]. No rains where received after this time. Those trees have survived three years of drought
AND FINALLY
Due to the record dry seasons, no planting was undertaken in 2002 - 2003. It was not until 2004 that we felt confident to put in the remaining trees. Early in June, 2004, my granddaughters and I commence planting the third stage. This stage is almost finished.
IN CONCLUSION
Despite the dry conditions this project has been very successful. The trees planted were hardy pioneer species and were able to withstand the drought conditions quite well. The success rate has been at least 80 percent. During the last four years much weed control has been carried out on the property to try and prevent weeds getting into the project area. This has also been successful. In coming years we will maintain the trees and continue our vigilance against weeds. But more importantly we will enjoy the increased wildlife, shade and beautiful surroundings.