Pelican Point is one of our restoration sites, and part of the Leschenault Estuary Connect Program. As our region navigates an increasingly drying climate and tightening environmental budgets, we want to give every seedling planted the best possible chance of survival.

To do that, we have been running targeted field trials on-site. Project Officer Rachel has officially compiled the data from our June 2025 community plantings into the new infographic below.

Key take-aways:

• Tree guards (Cardboard vs. Coir Fibre): Across the board, cardboard guards were the clear winner. The Coir fibre guards deteriorated and collapsed just three months after installation, smothering young seedlings and causing weak, elongated growth. For anyone who attended the planting days last year and attempted to utilise these difficult guards – plus side is we won’t be using them again!

• The Soil Additives: When paired with a cardboard guard, soil microbes smashed the competition, yielding an impressive 75% seedling survival rate. Clay treatments followed closely at 68%, while plots with no soil additives trailed behind at 48%.

• To Mulch or Not to Mulch: Mulching proved vital for giving native seeds a head start. In the trial rows where mulch was applied, germination occurred across an estimated 30% - 40% of the area. In stark contrast, unmulched rows saw a meagre 0% - 5% germination area.

Three of our local plant species achieved an outstanding survival rate above 70%:

• Grey Stinkwood (Jacksonia furcellata)

• Knotted Club Rush (Ficinia nodosa)

• Ruby Saltbush (Rhagodia baccata)

Become a Friend of the Estuary!

The ongoing maintenance, monitoring, and citizen science success at sites like Pelican Point rely entirely on the dedicated hands of our local community. If you want to join the fun, learn practical conservation skills, and contribute directly to local research, we would love to have you on board.

By signing up as a Friend of the Estuary, you will be the first to know about upcoming planting days, monitoring activities, and volunteer opportunities in your favourite local reserves.