Staff and students from Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) are propagating native grasses, shrubs and trees to help local property owners recover from the effects of recent bushfires.
Head of the Horticulture and Floristry Department at CIT, Julie Collins said it was the Institute’s chance to give back to the community in a time of need.
“Not only is this a chance for CIT to give back to the local community, but it is a chance for students to learn more about local species, and to hone their skills in propagating, growing and planting,” Ms Collins said.
She said the staff and students had propagated hardy native and non-native plants to suit local conditions.
“Native plants are best to help minimise effects of erosion by revegetating banks and sloped areas to reduce the amount of sediment lost as a result of the fires as well as encouraging the return of local wildlife to those areas,” Ms Collins said.
She said property owners could collect the plants from CIT Bruce, or CIT could organise delivery.
“We hope the plants will help regenerate our environment and encourage the re-establishment of habitat for local wildlife,” Ms Collins said.
“It will be a great chance for the students to get out into the field and provide a valuable service to those coming to terms with the aftermath of a bushfire,” she said.
“We will be donating a range of plants including 15 local Eucalypt species, hardy native shrubs including Correas, Hakeas and Callistemons, as well as a range of Poa grass species to any local property owner who gets in contact with us.”
She said local property owners could contact the horticulture department by email at [email protected] for further information.
