History

High wool prices lead to increased flock sizes and over-grazing.

Superphosphate introduced into the environment via government subsidies

Large scale clearing and ploughing lead to fragmented landscape in high production areas

Wool prices boom resulting in further land clearing and increased use of introduced pastures and fertilizers. Myxomatosis introduced reducing the impact of rabbits.

Pinus Radiata forests planted in Strathbogies.  Clearing continues but attitudes towards the environment are beginning to change.

Electricity connected to Ruffy and Strathbogie.

Land Conservation Council established to identify areas for nature reserves

Trust for Nature established to permanently protect native habitat held on private land

Trust for Nature established to permanently protect native habitat held on private land.

Lifestyle properties in the Strathbogies become popular. Revegetation on farms begins to reverse past trends of exploitation.

Land for Wildlife established in Victoria to support private landholders/managers who voluntarily contribute to the maintenance and restoration of wildlife habitat on their land.

Landcare first established in Victoria by Premier Joan Kirner.  Warrenbayne Boho Land Management Group formed – 2nd in the world.  Whitehead Creek Landcare Group formed – 3rd in the world

Site of Arboretum used by VicRoads as a depot during construction of the Hume Freeway bypass.  The site office was situated where the current nursery stands. Excavations for materials to construct the Freeway overpass embankments create the 43 mega litre dam.

The 27 hectare property, at the suggestion of John Liddell, VicRoads Project Engineer, is donated to the people of Euroa as a public reserve.  Lyle Jeffery, Euroa Shire Engineer suggests the site become an Arboretum and this idea is adopted by the Euroa community after several Public Meetings.

The Euroa Arboretum Committee of Management is formed.  The first major plantings were an eclectic mix of Australian native plants and were not specifically from the local area.  The island car park near the picnic shelter is a relic of these earliest plantings. These initial works, including the construction of the toilets and picnic pavilion were undertaken by participants in the LEAP program, a joint Federal / local Government funding initiative.

The Arboretum was officially opened on October 27 by local State MP and Deputy Premier, Pat McNamara. The original grass-trees ( Xanthorrhoea australis ) near the Picnic Shelter were planted to celebrate the official opening.

Arboretum Charter completed after extensive community consultation. The conservation, restoration and expansion of existing Woodlands and Wetlands now recognised as the primary focus for development. Arboretum planting policy changed from general Australian natives to locally indigenous plants representing the vegetation types of the region.

On-site propagation nursery established with Parks Victoria funding.  Tube-stock grown from local seed is incorporated into local revegetation projects.

First Master Plan produced for Arboretum, by Landscape Designer Paul Thomson, key Designer of the “Australian Garden” at the Royal Botanic Garden at Cranbourne.

First major funding received from Federal Government’s NHT (Natural Heritage Trust) fund for establishment of the on-site Seed Orchard, to provide an accessible/ sustainable source of indigenous seed for regional revegetation projects.

Arboretum begins to generate income from plant and seed sales, growing approx. 60,000 indigenous seedlings per annum and providing seed to the Goulburn Broken Indigenous Seed Bank at Dookie.

Longest dry period on record. In 2005 the Euroa town water supply runs dry. Fires in 2006 and 2009 burn half the woody native vegetation in Goulburn-Broken catchment.

Chain of Ponds created from drainage line cut to divert water flow off the Hume Freeway to the on-site dam.  After excavation, the ponds were planted to represent the local creek and river systems.

In consultation with Strathbogie Anglers Club recreational fishing is encouraged and the Arboretum Dam is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Redfin.

First Intensive Seed Production Area created, facilitating the mass harvesting of seed from smaller plants whose seed is difficult to collect in the wild. This seed production model, based on a concept developed by the Arboretum’s project manager, Sally Mann, is the first of its kind in Victoria.

Banksia marginata (Silver Banksia) seed orchard planted.

The ‘Arts’ come to the Arboretum.  Steel sculpture panels created by local artists are installed near the main visitor car-park area. The fabulous Art Panels were created by Scott Roach, Tess Noonan-Egan, Janet Fogarty, Leone Gabrielle,  Albert Steen  and Steve Tobin.

Second Intensive Seed Production Area constructed, increasing seed production and harvesting.

We aim for the Arboretum to continue to develop partnerships with local environment groups and be a local showcase for revegetation.  We will continue to work towards protecting threatened species, strengthen our connection to the indigenous community and develop our educational role in local schools and community.