Over the past five to 10 years, caretakers of a natural bush reserve near Wedderburn have witnessed the increasing dieback of two significant eucalyptus species: yellow box and grey box.
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But it is hoped an experimental project will make the ecosystem more resilient in the face of climate change.
Last week Bush Heritage Australia, in partnership with carbon offset provider Greenfleet, planted 9000 yellow box and grey box seedlings.
The new seedlings, while the same species of mature trees already found on the Nardoo Hills reserve, have a key difference: they have been grown from seeds collected in warmer and drier parts of the country, such as Fifield, Griffith, Narrandera and Deniliquin.
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Research volunteer Dr Garry McDonald said while these eucalypt species were widespread, each region's plants had developed their own unique genetics over time.
Dr McDonald said the newly planted seedlings were more adapted to the hotter and drier climates of their home regions.
Modelling suggests Wedderburn's climate will too become hotter and drier in the decades to come.
Dr McDonald said the plan was to allow the new trees to cross-breed with other yellow box and grey box in the area to broaden the gene pool, which would give the species a better opportunity for survival into the future.
Each of the newly planted seedlings are labelled and their progress will be monitored over time.
It is hoped university students will be able to participate in the project.
The project has been years in the works: Dr McDonald did the initial climate modelling in 2017.
Another 2000 to 3000 seedlings will be planted next year.
Dr McDonald said the yellow box and grey box species were key in the woodland ecosystem, which was why it was important not to lose them.
"It will affect the whole function of the ecosystem," Dr McDonald said.
The seedlings were propogated at Arborline Nursery in Hamilton, which Dr McDonald said had a very keen interest in the outcome.
Universities also contributed to the project.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
