Join us for a free, hands-on workshop exploring the unique role of mistletoe in Australian woodlands.

Mistletoe is often misunderstood as a harmful parasite, but in fact, it plays a vital role in supporting biodiversity. Native mistletoe provides food, nesting sites, and shelter for a wide range of birds, insects, and animals. So, far from it being damaging, mistletoe is part of a healthy, functioning ecosystem.

In this workshop, you’ll learn about how to to conserve and restore mistletoe in woodland ecosystems. You’ll also get practical, hands-on training in how to propagate mistletoe, including:

How to collect and prepare mistletoe fruit
Choosing appropriate host plants
Techniques for successful mistletoe planting

If you have fruiting mistletoe on your property, and the fruit easy to reach, bring a couple dozen ripe fruits (with stems attached) along to the workshop. You’ll have the chance to trade fruit with other participants to take home different genetic stock. This helps increase the genetic diversity of mistletoe on your land, making future populations stronger and more resilient.

After the workshop (which should take about an hour), join us for a free group lunch, meet fellow participants, and swap mistletoe fruit!

If you have a little extra time, stick around to take part in a community planting session to help support local regeneration efforts. You can stay and plant one, or a few if you can spare the time.

All participants will also receive a free native plant to take home whether or not you are able to stay for the planting session.

When: Friday, 20 September
Time: 11:00am – 3:00pm (including lunch and planting)
Where: In-person event in Yass area (location provided upon registration)

Free event – all welcome!

This workshop is perfect for landholders, bush regenerators, nature lovers, and even for suburban gardeners! For anyone curious about the hidden life of Australian woodlands.