Partnering with Planet Wild... for a wilder planet
For tens of thousands of years, First Nations peoples actively cared for and managed the Australian land using sophisticated cultural practices, including cultural burning, that created a mosaic of habitats that supported healthy ecosystems where people, plants and animals could thrive together. Colonization brought profound changes to these landscapes. Traditional land management practices were disrupted, extensive areas of native vegetation were cleared for agriculture and settlement and many native species declined as habitats were fragmented and transformed.
Australia is the most climate-exposed developed country in the world, and one of seven countries responsible for more than half of global biodiversity loss, with the highest native species extinction rate in the OECD. In South Australia’s Hills and Fleurieu region where the Forktree Project is situated we have lost 90% of native vegetation cover. This combination of issues is taking a huge toll on Australian native flora and fauna.
The Forktree Project is working to help combat this. The team is growing critically endangered native plants in our rare seed orchard, growing 75,000 plants of 165 different species in our nursery each year and working to restore habitat, both at Forktree and a range of other sites across the region. Especially exciting is our relationship with the Ngarrindjeri people and our work there to help restore landscapes on the Narrung Peninsula.
This year Forktree has joined forces with Planet Wild to help with the habitat restoration process. Planet Wild is a global community of people who care deeply about the planet. Every month, they team up with a new partner organization around the world to bring back endangered species, support our oceans, and restore forests. Planet Wild’s work is made possible by the contributions of its community members. All projects are documented through monthly video reports to show the community how they’re protecting nature.
This year at Forktree, Planet Wild has funded the protection of 15 rare and culturally significant plant species in our rare seed orchard. For each of these species, 10,000 saplings will be produced over time, creating 150,000 new plants. In addition, Planet Wild has funded 10,000 native trees to help restore the Forktree site.
The Forktree team is extremely grateful for Planet Wild’s support. If you’re interested in supporting environmental projects around the world by becoming a Planet Wild member, visit their website.
