Support the 'Unextinction of Banksia canei'

After the 2020 Black Saturday wildfires, Banksia canei (classified as Critically Endangered in Victoria) became extinct in the Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park, in North East Vic. But we're on a mission to reverse that extinction. We've located a new suitable seed source (Coral Bank, near Mt. Beauty), undertaken genetic testing to confirm an appropriate match, collected dozens of seed-bearing Banksia cones, and local volunteers at a community nursery have extracted seed, confirmed viability, and commenced mass propagation. Last year we successfully undertook a small proof-of-concept remote field planting trial. Now we need your help to bring back this unique species to Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park.

Our aim

To re-establish a self sustaining genetically viable population comprising at least 500 adult plants. This will entail planting 800 seedlings back into the Park in August 2025 (assuming approx 60% survival if guarded from exotic and native herbiores).

Your support

Will help us fund the propagation costs and volunteer based planting of 800 Banksia canei seedlings, including helicopter drops of half of the seedlings and other heavy materials into a remote replanting site inaccessible to 4WD. Additional heavy items to be heli-dropped on site include planting tools, 300L of water to enable once only watering at time of planting, 800 metal stakes and 400 wire guards to give the new seedlings the best possible start and help protect them from introduced deer and local wildlife browsing. Funds will also support project coordination, video production and help build greater community engagement and participation.

Why GoFundMe?

Despite multiple applications, we have been unsuccessful in securing Victorian Government or philanthropic funding. We now ask for your support to achieve these important restoration goals.

Unfortunately we are not a registered charity - hence donations are not tax deductable.

Trial success

Planting trials of 70 seedlings with and without tree guards were successfully undertaken in August 2024. Trials confirmed seedlings can survive hot summers but need initial protection from grazing animals - tree guards are necessary.

More information

Please "Follow" and share our Banksia canei Restoration Project Facebook Page

Other ways to support this initiative include helping with the remote area planting in mid August (specific dates will be shared on the facebook page).

If you have any specific queries prior to 25th June, please contact Glen Johnson, Wild Research at [email redacted].au or Laura Simmons, Royal Botanic Gardens at [email redacted].gov.au (after 25th June). See 'Organiser Contacts' tab at bottom of page and you'll be able to email us direct.

Project Partners