Community
16 May, 2025
Nature course for budding tree growers
RESIDENTS looking to grow and manage trees for multiple outcomes such as shelter, profit, conservation and carbon or use vegetation to increase productivity and diversify income are invited to a special information session.
The Master TreeGrower (MTG) course held in the Lismore Land Protection Group (LLPG) region of Corangamite is being held in Lismore over eight days, with residents invited to attend a free introductory session.
Course co-coordinator and Camperdown resident Becky McCann said the course will focus on equipping participants with the skills, know how, support networks and confidence to incorporate trees on their property and across the landscape for a range of outcomes, underpinned by the best available scientific, market and practical knowledge.
“The Master TreeGrower course is about empowering the local community and land managers to make informed decisions by exploring the possibilities and markets that exist around trees, and applying the information gained from experts, peers and other participants to meet their own aspirations,” she said.
“Information sharing is key, and the course encourages questions, discussion and learning by experiencing.
“The course is suitable for beginners as well as more experienced growers who may, for example, have a plantation on their property but don’t know what to do with it.”
Hosted by the LLPG in partnership with the Otway Agroforestry Network, the eight-day course kicks off with a free information day and farm walk next Friday (May 23) in Lismore.
The introductory session will run from 9.30am-4pm, and will see attendees take an afternoon walk through the ‘Titanga’ property owned by Andrew Lang.
“The introductory session introduces the concept of agroforestry and highlights the endless possibilities and benefits trees and tree products can offer,” Ms McCann said.
“If people like what they see on May 23, they can register to undertake the eight-day course to become a Master TreeGrower in their own right – you do not have to own land to participate and to gain some great skills.”
The master treegrower course was developed by Forest Scientist and Otway local Rowan Reid in 1996, with more than 125 courses delivered around Australia and overseas since – involving more than 2500 participants.
The Lismore-based course will run throughout winter, shifting throughout the Lismore region and driven by participant needs and interests.
Topics include growing trees to produce products and services, thinning and pruning, maximising productivity through shade and shelter, carbon and biodiversity; measuring trees and products, choosing species, accessing markets and property planning and revegetation design.
“The region has an incredible history of tree growing, including the property ‘Titanga’ which we will visit on the introductory day,” Ms McCann said.
“Research into tree growing has been undertaken there since the 1880s, and thanks to the very knowledgeable Andrew Lang it’s still very active in showcasing agroforestry in action today.
“The Lismore region has many properties where well-designed plantations can improve agricultural production and provide many other benefits, such as improving property values and creating a nicer workplace.”
The Master TreeGrower course is made possible thanks to Corangamite Catchment Management Authority’s Diverse Farms, Resilient Catchments project, which is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.
The LLPG has been working with and supporting landholders, landcare and other community groups from Beeac to Weerite to the Mount Emu Creek and everywhere in between for decades, with a focus on sustainable agriculture, conservation and revegetation projects.
Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP to mtg2025@myyahoo.com or LLPG facilitator Sarah McMaster on 0439 059 202 by Monday, May 19.
The course will cost $440 after the free session, plus an $88 fee to become an Otway Agroforestry Network member.
Read More: local