Media

Lease on life

7th September 2010 02:00:29 AM
Making a difference to the future of the Pomaderris (from left) students Brad Clark, Indi Collins, Coles’ manager Dunstan van Eijk and president of Toolebewong Landcare Group Arthur Harford.

HEALESVILLE High School has added its support to creating a network of sites for the threatened round leaf pomaderris.

Hundreds of plants grown from seed at the Royal Botanic Gardens are being planted out in areas including Toolangi, Chum Creek, Badger Creek and Healesville.

In a combined business and community effort around 80 Year 9 students from the MAD (Making a Difference) program working with Coles staff, a sponsor, and members of the Mt Toolebewong Landcare Group planted more than 100 of the delicate pomaderris in the school grounds.

The Shire of Yarra Ranges is also involved through its Ribbons of Green program.

In 2006, it was thought that the numbers of the round leaf pomaderris may be as low as140, with feeding of young plants by deer, rabbits and native herbivores, affecting their numbers. High winds, deer, weed spraying, roadside slashing and drain clearing are also believed to have played a role in the plant’s demise. Then came the 2009 bushfires, which burnt through much of the pomaderris territory.

Toolebewong Landcare Group president Arthur Harford said by planting new stands in many different locations, it was hoped that the plant’s chance of survival would be maximised and its numbers increased.