Landcare volunteers in Luskintyre have been busy planting trees to increase habitat and food sources for native animals affected by land clearing and bush fires.
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More than 10,000 trees and native shrubs are being planted by 30 volunteers.
So far, volunteers have spent 300 hours planting 6000 trees, with the project expected to wrap up by April 2022.
The recently formed Luskintyre Landcare group received $38,000 in funding from the Landcare Led Bush Fires Recovery Grants Program for the project, which is designed to support projects in regions affected by the Black Summer bush fires of 2019-20.
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The trees planted so far include local species like Spotted Gum, Ironbarks, Hakeas and Wattle.
John Schultz, Luskintyre Landcare president, said property owners have been planting their own trees due to COVID-19 lockdowns, but as restrictions have lifted, more volunteers have been able to get involved.
The trees are being planted to help extend two existing wildlife corridors and revegetate two areas of the Hunter River, creating stepping stones across nine farms, covering approximately 15 hectares.
Mr Schultz said increased urbanisation in the Maitland area has pushed wildlife to its limit with reduced habitat and food sources.
"When early explorers arrived in this part of the Hunter Valley, it was richly timbered, but then the Luskintyre area was logged and cleared for agricultural use," he said.
"It is now largely bare of trees and shrubs, and ephemeral waterways are also devoid of natural species because of grazing management,"
"The project site closely borders habitat that is used by the threatened Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot, and further plantings of suitable species will give more habitat to help the survival of these birds and other wildlife."
The trees will increase habitat and food sources for all native species including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects.
Mr Schultz said the project has really brought the community together and has been good for wellbeing.
"In the 18 months since forming our group, our numbers have doubled, with new members joining each month," he said.
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