Oral McGuire from Avondale with his presentation ‘Noongar Enterprise and Caring for Country’

Oral very eloquently tells us of the intrinsic link between aboriginal people and their country and the deeper meaning of the land to aboriginal culture- Budjar – our place, our spirit, our culture. He speaks of aboriginal people’s desire to generate their own enterprises and to care for the land and the hurdles they face achieving this dream. His moving and inspirational description of the restoration story at Avondale is testament to what can be achieved by our country’s first landcarers. WALN is thrilled to be working alongside indigenous custodians and hopes to engage, partner and share knowledge to jointly care for country.

Ray Wilson, CEO, Carbon Neutral ‘The Corporate and Community Components of Farming Carbon’

In his presentation Ray tells us that climate change is ‘here and now’ and if we are to really take action we need to remove carbon from the atmosphere. He indicates that large scale carbon farming initiatives recommended by CSIRO and supported by government are needed. Through his experience in the corporate and community carbon farming world Ray says there is increasing interest from corporate players to offset their carbon emissions through community plantings. He suggests that it is not unreasonable to think that revegetation undertaken by landcare groups could be funded by corporate offsets instead of public grant funds into the future. Ray invites landcare groups to get involved with carbon farming and offers advice and assistance to help people get there.

Andrea Salmond, Katanning Landcare ‘We Bought a Nursery! Social Enterprise and “Not for Profit” Landcare

Andrea tells us of her group’s relatively recent experience with taking on a local nursery business to further Katanning Landcare’s mission. She suggests that the landcare industry need to shift its language and mind set with regard to business and see the ‘creating a business model’ as a very real option for filling the shortfalls in landcare funding. From her experience Andrea suggests groups don’t jump in before thinking and instead consider their alignment, preparedness, backup and passion before taking on a business. In closing Andrea gives great advice encouraging groups to consider their options, see if they are ready to take on a ‘for change’ business and forward their mission.

Dr Katie Hill, Blackwood Basin Group  ‘We Bought a Guesthouse! Social Enterprise and ‘Not for Loss’ Landcare’

First up Katie gives us a reality check about the current environment in which landcare groups are operating. She describes the familiar feeling of having to be reactive to available funding and the resulting lack of a long term focus as well as staff feeling insecure, under employed, tired and powerless. Katie moves on to tell us about how the Blackwood Basin Group is attempting to make self funding a reality by taking on the management of Perup: Nature’s Guesthouse. She describes the Perup environment as like ‘literally and effectively walking in a zoo, amongst native animals, it really is quite remarkable!’ Although not yet returning at a profit Katie describes BBG’s vision of using their Perup opportunity to increase environment, education and economic outcomes for their region.

Dr Sandra Krempl, CEO of Trillion Trees  ‘The Trillion Trees Vision’

In her presentation Sandra outlines the recent rebadging of her organisation from Men of the Trees to Trillion Trees in 2017 and the not for profit’s big vision to see 1 trillion trees planted across the globe. Sandra wows landcarers with the Trillion Tree challenge – ‘Help us plant a Trillion Trees – If the 7.5+ billion people on this planet planted 140 trees each, we will have planted 1 Trillion Trees!’ WALN congratulates Trillion Trees on their recent launch of their offical name change on 24 September by the Hon Kim Beasley AC, Governor of WA. At the launch Trillion Trees recognised and celebrated the many achievements of Men of the Trees and its supporters, embraced its diverse community, celebrated its future and witnessed Trillion Trees pledges. WALN wishes Trillion Trees the best of luck in their journey achieving their inspiring vision.

Dr Nic Dunlop, Conservation Council of WA  ‘A Citizen Science Model for measuring NRM Outcomes’

In his presentation Nic describes the changes in landcare since the 1980s and the many factors that have prevented landcarers from assessing the outcomes of their restoration projects.  Nic explores the need for landcarers to be closing the ‘adaptive management loop’ and suggests that without looking at the outcomes of our restoration projects we don’t learn, cant transfer knowledge to others and decision makers and volunteers often losing interest. Through his recent work using bush bird communities to monitor ecosystem development in a range of restoration projects across Gondwana Link, Nic describes how the Conservation Council is attempting to develop and nurture a centralised citizen science base providing a monitoring service to regional NRM Groups.

Bruce and Andrew provide an insight into the ambitious Trees for Change Program which aims to give young people hope and confidence to tackle environmental problems and to create the next generation of landcarers. Linking to STEM activities within the school curriculum, Trees for Change has engaged students in a range of large scale restoration projects across coastal and agricultural environments. Through the program students get involved in planting large numbers of native seedlings and also engage in evaluation and discussion about planting and management techniques. Bruce emphasises the need to inspire students when developing schools programs and provides examples of activities he has found particularly engaging for students.