History
Aerial photograph of Euroa Arboretum in 1996 shortly after the picnic shelter was completed
The Euroa Arboretum sits on 27 hectares that were originally part of a sheep farm. During the construction of the Hume Freeway by-pass, the area was used by the Road Construction Authority as a storage depot for materials and heavy machinery. After the Freeway work was completed in 1990 a group of enthusiastic locals persuaded the relevant authorities to allow the land to become parkland for the Euroa area.
Well may you ask – what is an arboretum? If you’ve not heard the term before you’re not alone! We are occasionally coined the Ar-bor-tor-eum, the Ar-bor-teum, and even the Crematorium. However, an arboretum, (pronounced arb – or – EE –tum with the stress on the third syllable like cappuccino) is an area of land where trees and shrubs are grown for study or interest. Arboretums are similar to Botanic Gardens although usually much smaller and have mostly been started and continue to be operated by voluntary effort. The Euroa Arboretum specialises in growing local native plants, arranged in groups to represent how they would be found growing naturally in different areas of the landscape. These groupings are known scientifically as Ecological Vegetation Classes.
Timeline of the Arboretum to date with reference to history of the surrounding district –
Pre 1800
Taungurung mob are the Traditional Owners of this land. From long before the arrival of white man, Taungurung have been the custodians, (keepers). We are proud to acknowledge the Taungurung Nation, first peoples of the rivers and mountains.
1824
Hume and Hovell pass through what would become Euroa in December 1824. Often referred to in William Hovell’s diary as a ‘gentleman’s park’. Yellow Box, Grey Box and River Red Gums would have dominated the plains – interspersed with Casuarinas and Callitrix.
1834 – 1840
Early Squatters’ Licences Seven Creeks Station A.J.Templeton
1850’s
Cobb and Co. pass through Euroa en route to Longwood and Violet Town. Gold mining leads to increased population, vegetation clearing and waterway degradation.
1860’s
Rabbits and environmental weeds spread through Victoria
1870’s
High wool prices lead to increased flock sizes and over-grazing.
1878
Kelly gang rob the old National bank in Euroa
1903
Licences granted to graze Crown frontages on waterways
1929
Superphosphate introduced into the environment via government subsidies
1930’s
Large scale clearing and ploughing lead to fragmented landscape in high production areas
1950’s
Wool prices boom resulting in further land clearing and increased use of introduced pastures and fertilizers. Myxomatosis introduced reducing the impact of rabbits.
1960’s
Pinus Radiata forests planted in Strathbogies. Clearing continues but attitudes towards the environment are beginning to change.
1967
Electricity connected to Ruffy and Strathbogie.
1970’s
Land Conservation Council established to identify areas for nature reserves
1972
Trust for Nature established to permanently protect native habitat held on private land
1972
Trust for Nature established to permanently protect native habitat held on private land.
1980’s
Lifestyle properties in the Strathbogies become popular. Revegetation on farms begins to reverse past trends of exploitation.
1981
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.
1986
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
1986 – 1992
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.
1993
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.
1994
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.
1996
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.
1997
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.
1997 – 1998
On-site propagation nursery established with Parks Victoria funding. Tube-stock grown from local seed is incorporated into local revegetation projects.
1999
First Master Plan produced for Arboretum, by Landscape Designer Paul Thomson, key Designer of the “Australian Garden” at the Royal Botanic Garden at Cranbourne.
2000
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.
2000 – Onwards
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.
2000’s
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.
2003
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.
2004
In consultation with Strathbogie Anglers Club recreational fishing is encouraged and the Arboretum Dam is stocked with Rainbow Trout and Redfin.
2005
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.
2007
Banksia marginata (Silver Banksia) seed orchard planted.
2008
The Arboretum expands its role as an environmental education facility, running field days and workshops to promote awareness of and research into local habitat protection and restoration activities.
2009
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.
2010
Arboretum Market Stall at the monthly Euroa Farmer’s Market. Lyn Ingoldsby and Shirley Saywell volunteered their time and knowledge.
2011
Second Intensive Seed Production Area constructed, increasing seed production and harvesting.
2014
Wetlands created and surrounding area planted out. A bird hide was also built for birdwatchers.
2015
The Arb commences a project to scalp and reseed a 1.1 hectare plot of grassland on the Arb site.
2016
Bush Kinder happens regularly (you might well spy a cubby house or two), primary school visits take place and field days happen regularly. We strive to encourage a greater connection to the natural environment and to showcase what a unique part of the world we live in.
2017
A boardwalk through the reeds on the inlet and overflow area.
2019
The Grasslands develop and continual work is done to extend the edges, control weeds by the work of staff and volunteers. It’s a major attraction.
2020
We were successful in approval as a deductible gift recipient (DGR) is an organisation or fund that registers to receive tax deductible gifts or donations. As part of this 50 members signed up to support our endeavours.
2019
Goulburn Broken Indigenous Seedbank moves to Euroa and is now run by the Euroa Arboretum. Seed is collected from the Seed Production Areas and from around the catchment.
2022
Euroa Arboretum received the Premier’s Regional Recognition Award for their long-term efforts to restore native grasslands, educate the community about environmental sustainability and inspire people on the value of the native environment.
2022
The Daanak Walking Trail and Welcome Circle launched at the Arb and Friends Open Day. The Daanak Walking Trail is a collaborative project between the Taungurung First Peoples and Euroa Arboretum. It enabled artists and writers to work together to promote an awareness and understanding of traditional Taungurung knowledge and lanuguage and traditional use of plants. QR codes activate sound recordings to tell the stories and share language.
2023
Release of the Euroa Arboretum Strategic Plan 2022-2026
The Future
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.