Planting the seeds of hope

News article |

With unwavering determination and the invaluable support of the Kangaroo Island Native Plant Nursery, Henry Laas, 49 and his wife Sarah Marr, 47, have embarked on a bold plan. They are set to revegetate 105 acres of their 110-acre Cassini property, a testament to their commitment to encourage biodiversity and enhance soil health.

Planting the seeds of hope
BEFORE AND AFTER: Above the Mr Laas’ property after the 2019/20 bushfire. Below: I Native Plant Nursery Manager Jo McPhee with landholder Henry Laas who has planted 800 native plants on his Cassini property in the past two years.

"We'll take it step by step, but we intend to plant five acres for grapes and return the rest of the property to native vegetation," Mr Laas said.

The couple's journey began when they met the team at the KI Native Plant Nursery, a connection forged in the aftermath of the unprecedented 2019/20 bushfires that ravaged almost half of Kangaroo Island and parts of their own property.

"We have developed an amazing relationship with the KI Native Plant Nursery Manager, Jo McPhee," Mr Laas said. "We can ask Jo anything; she is very friendly."

Mr Laas said Ms McPhee, with her extensive knowledge, is a valuable resource for landholders seeking advice on which species to plant and where and how to grow them based on the unique conditions of their property.

With the guidance from Jo, they have successfully planted 500 native plants this year, building on the 300 planted last year.

"Now we have more birds, insects, and biodiversity, and we've noticed a significant improvement in soil health," he said. This is a clear indication of the positive impact of their efforts on the local ecosystem.

The KI Native Plant Nursery has a diverse range of over 100 species of KI native plants. Landholders can use these plants to regenerate land or create windbreaks and shelterbelts.

"Everybody [on Kangaroo Island] should buy plants from the KI Native Nursery," Mr Laas said, "You won't be disappointed by the results."

The Kangaroo Island Landscape Board (KILB) is a key player in supporting the KI Native Plant Nursery. They provide funding from various sources, including the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife, which received grant funding from the Australian Government through the Preparing Australian Communities local stream.

"The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has been instrumental in supporting the KILB to assist bushfire-affected landholders to recover from the 2019-20 bushfires through a generous donation of $225,000 delivered over six years," said Kangaroo Island Landscape Board Chair Andrew Heinrich.

"Four years in, this funding has resulted in 58,224 plants provided to bushfire-affected landholders, with 15,024 being grown for fire-affected landholders this year," he said.

Mr Heinrich said the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife's funding has significantly and positively impacted revegetation efforts since the 2019/20 bushfires.

"This year, their support enabled Ms McPhee to grow 17,403 plants for Kangaroo Island landholders, with 9,939 provided to those affected by the bushfires," Mr Heinrich said.

"Their funding also employs nursery staff a day a week over two years to grow 20,000 plants that will be supplied to local revegetation projects," he said.

"This successful initiative brings hope and optimism for the future of our revegetation projects."

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The mission of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is to protect and progress planetary health for present and future generations. For more information, please visit: https://www.fpa2.org/en/index

The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife is a vital partner across Australia's national parks and wildlife services. Their support is instrumental in propagating local provenance plants for ecological restoration projects, ensuring the preservation of Australia's natural beauty. For more information, please visit: https://fnpw.org.au

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