Regen the Plains is a free event aimed at contributing to farm revegetation efforts. This year, it will be on two properties in Nanneella, planting 15 different species of native plants over the course of two days.
Dan Walker is the mastermind behind the weekend, inspired by a similar event he attended almost a decade ago. He is also supported by Nanneella Timmering Landcare.
“I attended an event in Western Australia called Activate Tree Planting in 2015 and I was hooked,” Mr Walker said.
“When we got back to Victoria, I said, ‘let’s see what we can do here’.
“It’s about bringing people together and descending on private and public land to get everyone out there planting trees.
“Camping, good food, good entertainment.”
Over the past three years, Regen the Plains has averaged about 50 attendees at the events, planting hundreds of trees. Mr Walker hopes to welcome about 100 people this year, promising plenty of room for everyone.
With funding from Carbon Positive Australia, the organisation has purchased 500 tree seedlings from McKindlay’s Riverine Nursery, located just out of Moama.
“All the plants are ... sourced from within 50 kilometres,” Mr Walker said.
“So they’re all situated for this sort of location.”
One of the properties will host a camping area in its hay shed, inviting attendees to stay on site and enjoy a weekend together.
“Part of the ethos is connecting people from the surrounding towns who haven’t planted before or haven’t really been on a farm before, that we can have that experience,” Mr Walker said.
“On the day, we talk about the benefits of all the plantings.”
The first planting session starts at 11am on Saturday with a Welcome to Country by Aunty Neva, followed by another planting session from 2pm.
There will be a pancake lunch at 1pm, and a pot luck dinner will be served up on Saturday night, with guests asked to bring a plate to share.
Live music from the Locky Ukers and other district artists will soundtrack the event. Farm tours will take place on Sunday.
Guests are asked to RSVP through Facebook or by phoning Mr Walker on 0411 214 751.
The first planting will take place at the corner of Doherty and Graham Rds, Nanneella. The lunch will be at the hay shed opposite 862 Doherty Rd, Nanneella, and the second planting will be at 618 Echuca-Nanneella Rd, Nanneella.