Volunteers from the local region and throughout the world have joined the Better Earth team and planted approximately 90,000 trees in the past five years on the Stepping Stones project.

Over a five-week period, across three locations at Wybong, Yarrawa and Merriwa, the mix of Muswellbrook and Newcastle residents managed to plant 5000 native species, many of which were endangered or threatened. 

This has greatly improved the habitat range and connectivity of the region’s native animals, according to Conservation Volunteers Australia regional manager Jack Kensey.

“This was the last five weeks of Conservation Volunteers Australia’s on-ground planting trees for one of the world’s largest conservation projects,” he said.

“An initiative of the Great Eastern Ranges, the Stepping Stones project concluded last month.  

“Our Better Earth teams have been on several sites over the past five years helping create stepping stones for native flora and fauna along the Great Eastern Ranges.  

“The volunteers have stayed at a variety of accommodations throughout the project, from camping to cabins, to the new digs at Muswellbrook TAFE.  

“Each project, volunteers have come back saying how much they enjoyed their time while helping make a difference on the Stepping Stones project.”

Mr Kensey said there were other avenues to participate, too.

“If you would like to become one of our CVA’s valued local volunteers, we have an opportunity to recruit for our regular team who works every Tuesday and Wednesday,” he explained.

“You can volunteer as little or as many hours as fits in with your schedule. 

“Come and meet dedicated, like-minded individuals who care about Muswellbrook and the environment. 

“Most importantly, have fun while connecting with nature.

“Conservation Volunteers Australia is the country’s leading organisation for practical conservation, completing more than 2000 conservation projects across Australia every year.”

For more information regarding the Conservation Volunteers Australia Better Earth program, contact Jack Kensey on 0408 455 237 or Karynne Crump on (02) 4961 2358.