HAZELMERE based environmental restoration non-profit Trillion Trees is raising funds to help revegetate the Helena River with native sedges, rushes and trees for wildlife in the area.
Trillion Trees ecological restoration manager Doug Laurie said many of the organisation’s planting projects currently focused on restoring wetland ecosystems.
“Comprised of aquatic, riparian and terrestrial niches, these areas are special because they can host an incredibly wide variety of species which are responsible for an equally complex array of ecosystem functions,” he said.
“Restoring these parts of the landscape is crucial for improving the environment’s resilience to threats, sequestering carbon and combating habitat fragmentation.
“Wetland restoration often leads to a rapid establishment of healthy ecological communities – waterways often have existing native vegetation around them and their close proximity to water also results in higher rates of survival in the saplings planted.
“Wetland restoration projects can provide a natural linkage between restoration sites and existing bushland, called habitat corridors, which are effective within and between urban and rural landscapes.”
Bibbul Ngarma Aboriginal Association director Francesca Flynn confirmed the work done by Trillion Trees in restoring native vegetation would be beneficial for the health of the Helena River.
“Planting sedges and rushes will improve the health of the Mandoon Bilya (Helena River) by helping to filter the water and improve its general quality, as well as helping to stabilise the riverbanks and decrease erosion,” she said.
“In addition, planting any local species, including understory and trees, will also increase biodiversity and provide habitat and food for a wide range of birds, reptiles, insects and other animals, including black cockatoos.”
One of the more recent discoveries at the river was a mainland population of quokkas, a species mainly known for being in Rottnest Island, as reported in New quokka population in hills.
Trillion Trees chief executive officer Mark Hullett said the effort was an important push in combatting the effects of climate change.
“Wetlands and waterways shape our iconic landscape in WA and play a critical role in the fight against climate change,” he said.
“We know that wetlands absorb carbon at a faster rate than forests, while also providing habitat for an enormous range of native wildlife from birds to turtles.
“One of our most significant and degraded waterways in the region is the Helena River.
“With so many critical wetland restoration projects available to us, and no access to ongoing government funding, we urgently need it to rain – both from the heavens and from the generosity of community donors to fund these projects.
“The end of financial year is the perfect time to donate as tax returns are just around the corner and so is the winter planting season, with several of our projects requiring the combination of seasonal rains and tax-deductible donations to help them thrive.”
Donations may be made by visiting the Trillion Trees website.
