26,000 trees planted in Reservoirs for Nature milestone

More than 26,000 native trees and plants have been planted across SA Water’s Myponga Reservoir Reserve in a significant milestone for the utility’s ecological restoration project, Reservoirs for Nature.

The newly planted seedlings are the first stage of the long-term initiative restoring 320 hectares of previously cleared native grassy woodland ecosystems across Myponga and Mount Bold reservoir reserves to improve biodiversity, protect drinking water catchments and build healthier, more resilient landscapes.

This follows months of detailed planning using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology to digitally map every planting ensuring the restored vegetation reflects natural patterns while meeting carbon sequestration requirements.

A total of more than 3,200 native gum tree seedlings – which will form a canopy across the reserve – have been planted at Myponga Reservoir Reserve since early July, with plantings now under way at Mount Bold Reservoir Reserve.

The carefully designed planting pattern, which best reflects the natural landscape, includes about 8,000 individual mounds across the 2 sites. About 5,900 will be within Myponga, with another 2,100 at Mount Bold reserve.

SA Water’s Environment and Recreation Manager Dr Brooke Swaffer said Reservoirs for Nature is one of the largest revegetation programs of its type in South Australia, representing a $6.4 million investment that is estimated to generate around 67,000 Australian Carbon Credit Units over 25 years.

“Reservoirs for Nature has always been about more than tree planting, and that is restoring native ecosystems that can thrive for generations to come while improving water quality,” Brooke said.

“We’re creating landscapes that work the way nature intended with tall-spreading canopy trees, mid-story trees, shrubs, wildflowers and native grasses all playing a role in supporting biodiversity and protecting our reservoir catchments.

“As these plantings mature, they’ll provide habitat for native insects, birds and other wildlife, while healthier vegetation will help stabilise soils, reduce erosion and minimise sediment entering our waterways.”

At Myponga Reservoir Reserve, the project will also establish 60 hectares of native grass meadows using locally collected seed from around 20 native grass species.

Native grass restoration at Mount Bold Reservoir Reserve will be delivered in a future stage following ongoing weed management to ensure the best chance of long-term success.

More than 600 kilograms of native grass seeds, equating to 205 million individual seeds, has been sown across the 2 reserves, which will support healthy biodiversity.

Once completed, more than 183,000 individual plants, 35,000 shrubs and 36,000 groundcover seedlings will be in the ground, supporting long-term ecological restoration.

This will represent more than 130 different plant species reintroduced to the landscape.

Brooke said Reservoirs for Nature is a long-term investment in South Australia’s environment, people, communities and climate resilience.

“This will deliver lasting environmental outcomes across our reservoir reserves,” Brooke said.

“To ensure the success of the program, we have installed temporary exclusion fences during the first stages to limit grazing impacts, particularly from deer and kangaroos.

“The fencing includes one-way exit gates at strategic locations, just in case any animals make their way into the restoration areas.