Seeding Our Future: Seed Collection Workshop
Posted on 23 October, 2024 by Hadley Cole
Connecting Country is pleased to announce an exciting new project; Seeding Our Future which is funded by the 2024 Victorian Landcare Grants. The Seeding Our Future project focuses on building the populations and connectivity of local flora species through community engagement and educational workshops.
One of the key threats to local flora populations is seed security, particularly those species occurring in low numbers and fragmented populations that lack genetic diversity. Local plant populations are already highly fragmented and isolated. With this we are witnessing the reduction of genetic diversity across populations which will be exacerbated by severe weather patterns and could eventually lead to the extinction of rare indigenous plant species. This will have enormous repercussions for many local vertebrates and invertebrates who rely on specific plant species for habitat and food sources.
To protect biodiversity from extinction, the Seeding Our Future project offers local community the opportunity to take direct action to increase flora populations across the region. Through the collection of seed and growing of indigenous plant species, particularly those that are rare, we can increase genetic diversity and population of local indigenous flora, creating resilient ecosystems and seed banks for our future.
To kick the project off we are hosting a Seed Collection workshop with Seeding Victoria, in Castlemaine on Saturday 9 November 2024. This workshop has also received funding support from Cassinia Environmental, Natural Resources Conservation Trust and the Victorian Government BushBank program.
The day will involve;
- The nuts and bolts to seed collecting: You will learn species identification, what permits you need to obtain for collecting seed, OH&S, collection techniques, extraction and storage.
- Field Trip: We will have a look at the OH&S components of seed collecting, observing what’s flowering and what will be ready to collect in the coming months.
- There will be an opportunity to order seed-collecting equipment on the day.
- Learn about how the NRCT Seed Bank Revolving Fund works and how to obtain a discount for seed-collecting equipment.
- Introduction to the BushBank Program: How to get involved in collecting seed for the $30M Government program and access funding to undertake biodiversity planting on your property.
When: Saturday 9 November 2024, 9.30am – 3.30pm
Where: Castlemaine Botanical Gardens Tea Rooms, Downes Rd. Castlemaine
Cost: $30.
For more information and bookings – click here
The Seeding Our Future project is funded by the North Central Catchment Management Authority through the 2024 Victorian Landcare Grants.
The Seed Collection Workshop with Seeding Victoria has received further support from, Cassinia Environmental, Victorian State Government BushBank program and the Natural Resource Conservation Trust.
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