The Tree (natural resource management)

We have been working on a large tree that will feature as part of our finished project.  The tree is designed to raise awareness about the importance of planting trees on farms, which dairy farmers recognise as an important sustainable practice.

The tree in the process of being made

The biggest environmental challenges that dairy farmers face are:

• managing soil nutrients
• stopping nutrients escaping into waterways
• protecting waterways and bush land
• avoiding to much water use

Planting trees on farms is a great way to address all these problems!
In the past 200 years many trees have been removed from the Australian landscape to create farms and provide space for the growing population.  Dairy farmers are constantly improving their practice to repair and improve their soil quality.

Dairy farmers plant trees, shrubs and grasses near water ways to decrease soil erosion  This improves soil quality and stops nutrient run off into rivers, keeping both soil and waterways healthier. 

Trees are used to provide shelter belts for animals and people.  This makes the farm a more comfortable place during heat and cold.

Shelter belts also help improve soil quality by keeping salt and water levels stable and reducing soil erosion.  Healthier soil means that crops are better quality which helps keep animals in better condition.

Shelter belts also provide shelter, protection and food for native animals.

A leaf sprouting from our tree

Our tree will provide information to the viewer on the importance of planting trees on farms.  All of the materials used on the tree (excluding the glue , wire and tape) have been made from recycled materials.  Not only is our tree educational but it is environmentally friendly.   In our Archibull project we are aiming to use mostly recycled material, excluding glue and paint.