Mungart Seed Orchards

An initiative supporting initiative

Mungart seed orchards is an enterprise that supports both the Ngoolark Rangers and Merentj bushfoods initiatives. Seed collecting, propagation and husbandry are important skills and capabilities to develop in establishing Land enterprises.

Growing the seeds for a better future

Throughout the planting partnership projects undertaken by the Ngoolark Rangers over the last two years, Greening Australia has utlised BAC's Badgebup home base as the location for the storage and maintenance of seedlings for the schedule of plantings across the region. Through looking after the seedlings, the Rangers and horticultural experts have shared knowledge with each other on the care and maintenance of the various saltbush, sandalwood and other species of native plants planted in the region.

The opportunities for the collection of "wild" seeds are significant for the Merentj Bushfood enterprises. Once again shared knowledge of the Noongar seasons and protocols around local species combined the with scientific agricultural and horticultural knowledge will prove a winning combination in developing the Mungart seed enterprise. Contract opportunities for collecting wild seeds are in development for 2020.

Negotiations continue with funding bodies for the capital requirements needed to establish green-houses and other nursery equipment necessary to establish Mungart Seed Orchards as a viable enterprise creating work in the region over the coming years.