TWO local Landcare Groups have made the most of the autumn weather over the past week, busily planting trees along waterways.
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Shoalhaven Riverwatch were again busy, greening the banks of the Shoalhaven River at Bamarang.
The group held working bees where 30 volunteers planted 450 River Oak trees over two days.
"We used a technique called 'long- stemmed planting' where we plant tall tube-stock, up to 1m high, in holes augured about 80cm deep," said project manager Peter Jirgens.
"This deep planting means the roots are well below the competition from kikuyu.
"The plant sends out new roots from its stem which is covered with soil, and only the top of the plant above the soil level.
"We find by using this technique, the trees establish much more quickly than traditional planting."
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The Tapitallee Creek Landcare Group at Cambewarra also made the most of the excellent conditions and planted 550 trees during working bees held on Thursday and Friday.
"We have been systematically working to restore the creek banks since we purchased the property in 2003, and this year we are focusing on a section which is highly visible from Hockeys Lane," said landowner Sally Bruderlin.
"With the help of some local volunteers, we planted River Oak trees, Red Cedars, Cabbage Tree Palms, Lomandras and native lilies which will help prevent riverbank erosion and provide habitat for native wildlife."
Tapitallee Creek Landcare Group was established in 1990 in response to severe erosion along Tapitallee Creek.
Since that time they have expanded to include Good Dog Creek and have fenced over six kilometres of creek, planted in excess of 14,000 trees, reinstated wetlands along the creek, installed structures to reduce stream bed lowering and carried out fox control activities.
"Our aim is to reduce erosion and improve the environment along the creeks while encouraging native wildlife to move back into our area," said secretary Margie Jirgens.
"It's very encouraging to see the improvement in the environment and to work so constructively with our neighbouring landholders."
