When members from the Landcare community noticed that some common species in the landscape were declining, they decided action was required to prevent these iconic species disappearing forever. The four species identified were Banksia marginata (Silver Banksia), Allocasuarina littoralis (Black She-oak), Eucalyptus Yarraensis (Yarra Gum) and Eucalyptus pauciflora (Snow Gum). With funding through the state governments communities for nature program, over the course of the 4 year project, now coming to an end, approximately 12,000 indigenous species including 3,500 focal species were planted at Macs Road, Buninyong and private land.
Silver Banksia (Banksia marginata)
Silver Banksia occurs in a large number of EVCs from heathlands, heathy woodlands, coastal vegetation, grassy woodlands, herb-rich woodlands and some forests. Within the Leigh Catchment it is found primarily in Damp Sands Herb-rich Woodland and Valley Grassy Forest. At a number of points, it is found on the edge of the basalt (the latest geological information is provided on the maps) and Banksias occupy the ecotone between Valley Grassy Forest and Plains Grassy Woodland, sometimes with Snow Gum. In the catchment it is present in the tree form, not the shrub (stunted) form found in the heathy (sandy) communities elsewhere.
Black Sheoak (Allocasuarina littoralis)
Black Sheoaks are found within the catchment in Valley Grassy Forest, Damp Sands Herb-rich Woodland and Lowland Forest. It is occasionally present in Grassy Woodland although Drooping Sheoak is more typical. Where it is present it can be locally common (e.g. Pryors Road).
Lowland Snow Gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora)
Snow Gums are often found near the edge of the basalt flow where Valley Grassy Forest meets Plains Grassy Woodland. They seem to generally occupy the ecotone between EVCs and were never locally common. They have also been observed between Damp Sands Herb-rich Woodland and Grassy Woodland.
Yarra Gum (Eucalyptus yarraensis)
The Yarra Gum has smaller fruits, rough bark and smaller, rounder leaves. It is found in seasonally waterlogged sites usually within Valley Grassy Forest (including Creekline Herb-rich Woodland) which are often brackish. In the Snake Valley/Carngham area (Mt Emu Catchment) it appears to be the main tree of Grassy Woodland extending onto the basalt (Plains Grassy Woodland) which has not been observed as extensively elsewhere. Also found in Sedgy Riparian Woodland sometimes with Brookers Gum.