GRETA Valley Landcare Group is continuing to work with 48 landholders to help improve local biodiversity and properties' productivity through a series of tree planting projects throughout winter.

Group project officer Sally Day said works, backed by state and federal funding, were being supported by volunteers.

“The trees we have planted in our catchment are Indigenous to the local area and have been supplied locally by Park Lane Nursery with plant guards being supplied from Melbourne,” Ms Day said.

“The sites varied from doing small planting to fill in gaps in existing shelterbelts, planting around farm dams or along banks of local creeks; to quite large new sites such as a property which includes several ephemeral creeks, fencing off gullies entering the creeks and including a large dam that is now home to threatened Southern Pygmy Perch.

“Some 15,500 plants have been ordered and delivered to members this winter with the largest site planting 5170 trees and shrubs.

“Education is very important to landowners and Landcare provides a way to assist and financially support members in improving their property that benefits wildlife, stock and the environment.

“We encourage our members to plan in advance for their planting sites, to enable them to fence and adequately prepare sites for planting which includes ripping at some sites and good weed control over autumn to create suitable spots for planting."

Ms Day said the group submits a large annual order of plants in November each year, to enable stock to be grown and supplies the following winter.

Members recently planted a 120m long section of the newly created Moyhu walking track with native species, inclusive of information signage of the species.

“This helps more people in our community understand the value of our local flora and appreciate their beauty and suitability for gardens and their farms," Ms Day said.

Craig Stevenson in among those participating in the Landcare project, with 10,000 trees having been planted on his 350 acre property and a further 5000 trees this winter.

He said the plantings have helped create future shelter for livestock and protect the waterways as Wattle Creek runs through the property.

“I joined the Greta Valley Landcare Group in 2020 as I wanted to contribute to our region,” Mr Stevenson said.

“Landcare does a lot of voluntary work in improving sustainability and I felt my contribution would be the least I could do to help.

“By planting trees on our property, we are not only helping with our cattle but helping protect the waterways and improve habitat for birds and frogs in the area.

“The scheme is quite easy to follow as you are provided the assistance from Landcare to better improve your property with results that are positive and beneficial by the planting of trees."

He praised Ms Day's dedication and shared knowledge.

"The education she has provided has been outstanding and I cannot thank her enough,” he said.

Revegetation guides and other resources can be found on the Greta Valley Landcare Group website at https://gretalandcare.org.au/library/ under the ‘revegetation’ section or contact Sally Day on 0437 136 162.