Facebook Post 25/10/24

Looking At Landcare (21/11/2024) – Seedy Encounters a Success in Parkes & Forbes

We were fortunate to welcome Nathan Emery and Laura Watts from the Botanic Gardens of Sydney to provide workshops in Parkes and Forbes last month.

Nathan, a Research Scientist, is the Manager of the Seedbank and Conservation Collections for the Botanic Gardens of Sydney. His colleague, Laura Watts, works as the Collections Development Coordinator. They are both based at Mount Annan.

Nathan and Laura discussed seed collecting strategies such as preserving genetic diversity, how to collect seeds, process collections, and seed germination strategies. There was also an opportunity to check out some of the tools of the trade that are used in the field for seed collecting.

The Botanic Gardens of Sydney conducts seedbanking as a core activity, with the state-wide conservation seed program having operated for over 20 years. With around 13,000 collections and 5,200 species the seed collection is the largest of its type in Australia and provides the essential seed collections which forms the ‘heart’ of conservation and restoration activities and outcomes.

Attendees had the opportunity to take home tubestock for plantings.

Parkes attendees undertook a field walk to look at the diversity of native plantings that we have surrounding the town.

In Forbes, the workshop was held at the Forbes Riverside Garden and this was an opportunity to also walk through the tree plantings that are adjacent to the Garden that are native, but not necessarily local species.

There was overwhelming support for a return visit to the Central West from the Botanic Gardens team, hopefully with an opportunity to undertake some collection.

These events are possible thanks to the shared work of the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust and Landcare NSW under the Private Land Conservation Matters project.

Protecting biodiversity on private lands also plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, improving land productivity, and enhancing water quality, all of which directly benefit both the landowners and the broader community.

Private Land Conservation Matters (PLCM) is Stage 2 of Landcare NSW’s partnership program with the BCT, building on the success and lessons learned from the 2020-22 Project, including increased awareness of the BCT’s roles and responsibilities amongst the Landcare community.

If you are interested in being part of future events and projects, please make sure that you register to receive our newsletter that will provide information on upcoming events.

For further information on this article, please go to www.centralwestlachlanlandcare.org, twitter, facebook or Instagram @cwllandcare or contact Marg Applebee on 0418 611 053.

Here is a collated attendee feedback report based on the provided responses:

Attendee Feedback Summary Report
Event Evaluation – Summary of Responses

1. What did you like about the event?

Themes Identified:

• Presenter Expertise and Knowledge Sharing
  • “Knowledge imparted by presenters”
  • “Detailed knowledge of presenters, with a clear explanation of their goals”
  • “Information shared”
  • “All of above”

Summary:
Attendees highly valued the depth of knowledge shared by the presenters. They appreciated clear communication of goals and the opportunity to gain insights from experienced facilitators.

2. What do you want to learn next?

Themes Identified:

• Practical Skills in Native Plant Work
  • “Practical collecting, seed saving and propagation of selected native vegetation”
• Unspecified Interests
  • “Not sure”

Summary:
There is a clear interest in learning more hands-on techniques related to seed collection and propagation. Some attendees were undecided but open to further learning opportunities.

3. Suggestions for Improvement

Themes Identified:

• No Change Needed
  • “No”
• Venue Logistics and Presentation Support
  • “Access to slide material, a clearer prior understanding of presenter's venue needs could have enabled improved layout at venue.”

Summary:
While most participants were satisfied, a suggestion was made to enhance venue setup and provide presentation materials post-event for improved learning and accessibility.

Overall Insight:
The event was well-received, with strong appreciation for the presenters’ expertise. Future sessions may benefit from enhanced logistical planning and the sharing of presentation resources.