Merriang District Landcare group, like other Landcare groups has a focus on the questions of sustainability in Agriculture, regeneration  and protection of the Natural environment. Is it a community based non-profit organisation depending on members for their skills, time and enthusiasm.

MDLG's Primary Activity is to provide indigenous plant seedlings for revegetation and soil restoration projects  in the area. We have, in co-operation with Whittlesea Secondary college set up a nursery complex in Whittlesea. A major sponsor of this development was Melbourne Water, who in turn use seedlings for many of their projects in this area. Other sponsors included Pioneer and Boral. Much of the ongoing development and equipment has been funded as a result of plant sales.

MDLG has a small group of dedicated members who work hard throughout the year keeping the nursery complex running like clockwork.  Being a volunteer organization that sometimes puts too many demands on a few members and for that reason we would like to have more members helping with the planting even if it is only a few times throughout the year especially in the busiest time of February to April.   Skill and experience are not necessary.  One of the joys of belonging to a group like MDLG is the opportunity to learn about the plants and the characteristics that make them so unique.  There is no better teacher than Rob Dabal, who is the botanist and co-ordinator of the nursery complex.  It takes literally a few minutes working beside the other members to master the art of ‘pricking out’ the tiny seedlings into tubes and then wait a few weeks for your reward which comes from watching the work you have done grow into strong healthy plants.

‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.’  During the year members have enjoyed a variety of outings including a BBQ and planting session along the Merri Creek, an excursion to the Royal Botanical Gardens at Cranbourne to see the new Australian Garden designed by Paul Thompson.  This was interesting as it was still in the structural stage and the design details and associated engineering proved much more involved than one would expect when the garden is fully grown.  In October members with an interest in farming activities hired a bus and spent a most satisfying day at the Elmore Show.  Next year more excursions are planned and everyone is welcome to join us.  Keep watching this site for details.

MDLG wants to encourage all members to be involved and not just a name on a membership list. We realize that time is always a limiting factor and families are busy with school and other projects and for that reason we urge members to tell us about themselves and how they can best benefit from membership of MDLG.  We would value your contribution to Landcare no matter how large or how small.

The quality of our environment determines the quality of our future so let’s work together to care for our land.