Like many celebrations that were meant to occur in 2020, the National Trust (NSW) held delayed celebrations for its 75th anniversary on Saturday at Cooma Cottage in Yass.
“Today is really about celebrating 75 years, giving back to the community and we’ve made it free for everyone to come in and enjoy the property,” said CEO of National Trust Australia (NSW), Debbie Mills.
Along with the free experience at Cooma Cottage, a Federal Government grant afforded to the National Trust enabled them to plant 800 trees on the riverbank, to help recreate what the area once was.
Director of Bush Management Services, Guy Sanacore, delivered the reasoning behind the mass planting.
“There was a massive planting here a few years ago, and many of the species have died,”
“Just after the planting, ironically, there was a massive flood that came through and then there was a lot of encroachment from the exotic grasses that are here as well.”
This time the trees will be protected with bunny boxes and weed mats, hopefully leading to more success than the last planting.
The National Trust was initially expecting around 30 volunteers, but on the day had 55 volunteers on hand to help out, making the job significantly easier for all involved and leading to an early finish.
“It was amazing!”
“We had to rush and clear more area because we couldn’t keep up with them; there was so many plants going in so quick.”
“Hopefully, a lot of these plants will grow, and they can come back in a few years and see how the plants are doing,” said Guy.
Guy stated the National Trust has further interest in collaborating with the Yass Valley community and would appreciate suggestions on what more could be done to improve or restore the Yass Valley environment.
Max O’Driscoll
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