2025 Autumn Planting Underway!

The welcome rains of 13-14 April, 2025 which brought 65mm to the Esperance Wildlife Sanctuary means we can start the autumn planting. Banksias, Eucalyptus, and Grass Trees, grown in our own nursery, are the priority species.

Volunteers and family members work together to plant trees at Esperance Wildlife Sanctuary, contributing to environmental restoration efforts.

Based on the climate patterns of Esperance, which has a Mediterranean-type climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters, autumn to early spring is generally considered the ideal time to plant native species for the following reasons:

Cooler Temperatures: The intense heat of summer has passed, and the cooler autumn temperatures are more favourable for young plants to establish without the stress of extreme heat and evaporation.

Increasing Rainfall: Esperance typically experiences increasing rainfall from autumn through winter. This natural watering helps the newly planted native species to develop their root systems and become established with less need for manual watering.

Warm Soil: The soil is likely still warm from the summer months, which can encourage root growth. Combined with increasing moisture, this provides an optimal environment for establishment.

Reduced Water Stress: Planting now allows the native plants to establish themselves during a period of natural moisture availability, reducing the risk of water stress that can occur during the dry summer months.

Preparation for Spring Growth: Planting in autumn gives the native seedlings time to settle in over the cooler months, allowing them to take full advantage of the active growing period in spring.

Banksia Specious being planted in a degraded paddock.

Therefore, mid-April in Esperance offers a beneficial combination of cooler temperatures and increasing soil moisture, making it a favourable time to plant native species at the Esperance Wildlife Sanctuary and give them the best chance of successful establishment.

Video of 2025 planting underway