CIT donates plants for bushfire recovery

Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) horticulture staff and students are propagating native grasses, shrubs and trees to help local property owners in the ACT recover from the effects of recent bushfires.

Communities in the ACT region have been affected by the bushfires. 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.

The plants CIT will provide are hardy and well suited to local conditions. This will include both native and select non-native plants, such as rosemary.

"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," Julie Collins Head of the CIT Horticulture and Floristry Department said.

Property owners can come and collect plants from CIT Bruce, or CIT can organise delivery.

"We hope the plants will help regenerate our environment and encourage the re-establishment of habitat for local wildlife. 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," Mrs Collins 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. We have already started propagating the grasses and shrubs, and these are available now in limited supply. The trees will take a little longer, but you can pre-order them."

Local property owners can contact CITHorticulture@cit.edu.au for further information. CIT will do its best to cater for everyone who calls, but stocks are limited.