Following a successful community event to introduce the concept of Future Proofing the Cabbage Tree Palm in November 2024, we're delighted to share the stories of five on-ground community activities in 2025.
These activities included fencing trials, community planting events and habitat restoration activities to protect Dharawals/Cabbage Tree Palms (Livistona australis) and to restore the ecosystems of which they are an essential element.
The areas where these activities are located, in Toolijooa and Foxground, are along important east-west biodiversity corridors between Saddleback Mountain and the Illawarra escarpment to the west and remnant coastal vegetation to the east.
We’re planning more activities in 2025. If you’d like to get involved or receive updates, please email coordinator@landcareillawarra.org.au to be added to our mailing list. A big thank you to Alison Windsor, from the Landcare Illawarra committee and our project coordinator on this project, for her management of logistics so far, and to Mitch and Rod Windsor for their generous volunteer contributions of time to help with fencing and transport.
Fencing Trial – Foxground (February 2025)
At our first event of the year, we trialled different planting layouts and fencing methods—including reusing old paddock gates. The key takeaway? Many hands make light work! The more volunteers we have at plantings, the better.
Community Planting – Foxground (March 2025)
We began by fencing a small area around a lone Cabbage Tree Palm. Excluding grazing animals will encourage natural regeneration, supported by companion plantings.
Alison Windsor shared project goals, along with some local farming history and insights into the natural waterways.
🌱 16 volunteers planted 16 Livistona and 39 companion rainforest species.
🫖 Morning tea set a new standard!
Community Planting – Foxground (June 2025 #1)
A previously overgrown corner of a property was cleared of Lantana and Coral Trees and fenced (640m² with 102m of fencing).
🌱 12 volunteers planted 48 Livistona and 66 other rainforest species.
🚶♀️ We also took a creekside walk to admire a beautiful remnant of Subtropical Rainforest with Sassafras and impressive strangler figs.
Community Planting – Foxground (June 2025 #2)
Our largest planting site yet: 1,250m² of creekline area cleared and fenced.
🌱 Volunteers planted 128 native plants, including 33 Livistona, in pockets along the perimeter.
🌿 Coral Trees will be removed progressively, with planting expanding over time.
👥 18 volunteers joined us on the day.
Habitat Restoration – Toolijooa (May & June 2025)
While we do a lot of planting, supporting natural regeneration is the first best option, and we are always excited to work with local stakeholders facilitating natural regeneration in and adjacent to remnant vegetation. At A Taste of Paradise Farm, a large 7,200m² area of remnant Cabbage Tree Palms had already been fenced—but invasive woody weeds and grasses were threatening regeneration. The staff and contractors removed more than 450 large woody weeds and 1,200 woody weed seedling of:
- Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora)
- Broad-leaved and Small-leaved Privet (Ligustrum lucidum and L. sinense)
- Mickey Mouse Plant (Ochna serrulata)
- Green Cestrum (Cestrum parqui)
- Moth Vine (Auraujia serificera
With these weeds removed, and ongoing maintenance natural regeneration of subtropical rainforest—and habitat for native wildlife—can now flourish.
Thank you to our supporters
This project would not have been possible without generous contributions from:
• BlueScope WIN Community Partners Program– Fencing support
• Endeavour Energy Nature Positive Program– Partnership
• Private donors – Ongoing support
