This seminar will be a chance to learn about local indigenous species that have fire-retardant and/or fire-resistant properties that are suitable for using in a Fire Wise shelterbelt or garden.

Fire wise trees can act as a physical barrier from radiant heat, and can also reduce wind speed and trap embers and sparks carried by the wind. Fire-wise ground covers can catch burning embers without catching fire, and slow fire's travel through ground-litter.

Local ecologist Kate Bennets (Fire, Flood & Flora) will discuss how certain indigenous plant species can use used in shelterbelts and gardens to help reduce fire risk on farms.

Mitch Emmett (CFA vegetation management officer) and Hayley King (CFA engagement coordinator) will share information and resources on ember attack and landscaping for bushfire.

We’ll also visit the Fire Wise shelterbelt & garden demonstration sites that has recently been planted at Loch.

This seminar is part of a larger Fire Wise Project, which also included installing two demonstration sites at Meeniyan and Loch. The sites include a garden and a shelter belt demonstration, to help create awareness and spread knowledge in the community about fire wise planting, and provide ideas to guide others in fire wise planting for their own properties.

The Fire Wise Project is funded by the Australian Governments Preparing Australian Communities program in partnership with the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife (FNPW). FNPW is an environmental charity organisation, that has been assisting communities to restore and conserve Australia’s natural environment for more than 50 years.

This project received grant funding from the Australian Government through the Preparing Australian Communities local stream.