Introduction

• Trees Please! Inc. was born in November 1998

• Trees Please! aims to protect the remnant native bush at The Cedars (which is being destroyed by woody weeds like broom, gorse and blackberry), and to re-vegetate the area with local native trees and shrubs.

• Most of the 150 acres of The Cedars (home of the late Sir Hans Heysen) was bought by Heysen for the sole purpose of saving the trees ..... Heysen was dedicated to more than his art.  He was an active conservationist, and a foundation member of the South Australian Forest League formed in 1913 to save the trees.

• Several hectares of native bush have now been cleared of weeds, and over 3,000 local native trees and shrubs have been planted.

• Seedlings are raised from seed collected at (or very near) The Cedars, and planted out during special tree planting days in late Winter.

• Over 12,000 seedlings have been supplied free of charge to other local landholders.

• Seed for 250,000 trees and shrubs have been donated to the Onkaparinga Catchment Board's direct seeding programme.

• Trees Please! volunteers work every Thursday morning (weather permitting).  After the work there's a famous shared picnic (it's not all work!)

• Trees Please! has sponsored six Greencorps projects.

Re-claiming an Area of Native Bush

Broom Infestation March 2000 - The area needs to be cleared of shoulder high broom before it can be replanted.Same area August 2000 weeds cleared - Seedlings have been grown from seeds collected on the property, the weeds have been cleared and the area re-planted.Same area 2009 - The new swamp wattles and candlebarks are doing well - we will continue to patrol the area and remove any weeds that re-appear.

Re-planting the 'Big Gum' paddock

Planting day 2000.  Brian and Gwenyth Young have supported our tree planting days for many years.Nine years later.  The paddock has now been completely re-vegetated with local native trees and shrubs.Sue Heysen tree planting in 1988.  Our first major planting day in a paddock previously used by cattle and set aside by the Heysen family for re-vegetation.

 Seed Collecting

Bernadette, Cheryl and Brian - seed collecting.Helen Lyons - seed collecting.

Pangolin Associates - Saving Remnant Native Bush

Pangolin Associates have been willing contributors to all our activities.  Please email them at:  info@pangolinassociates.com

Work about to startwork in progressWeeds cleared back to the trees

Bacardi Lion and Conservation Volunteers (same area)

Before work beginsSame area, different day and groupArea cleared and ready for re-planting

Parsons Brinckerhoff

The people at Parsons Brinckerhoff have been willing helpers in our Landcare activities.

Parsons Brinckerhoff people + dog.Parsons Brinckerhoff people at the tree planting day 2009.

 'Trees Please!' - Adelaide Hills Regional Award 2006 Winner

It was gratifying that the efforts of 'Trees Please!' volunteers resulted in them being awarded the 'SA Great Award for Science and Environment' for 2006.
This award was presented for our efforts in planting and preserving native trees in the memory of Sir Hans Heysen.

Hans Heysen Book - Artist, Conservationist, Visionary

Sir Hans HeysenThis book is about the native trees on the property surrounding the home of Sir Hans Heysen and how he used them as his models.
Technical information about the vegetation is included to assist with the identifying the trees and seed.
Many of the trees that appear in Heysen's pictures are still alive and well  .....  the inspiration and the spirit of the man lives on with them.

This publication is available from The Cedars, the Hahndorf Academy, or by post ..... send $25 to Trees Please! PO Box 708, Mount Barker, SA 5251 (including your postal address).

Heysen's Trees Cards

This is one of a series of seven cards which contain seed from the tree featured on the front.  The cards also have information about the tree and it's seed.

They are available at The Cedars and the Hahndorf Academy, or by post .... send $40 for a pack of ten to Trees Please! PO Box 708, Mount Barker, SA 5251 (including your postal address).

Well done Trees Please on over 25 years of volunteering at The Cedars!

Photo: Communications and Engagement Officer Dana Miles (centre) and Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator Sophie Bass (right) from the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board talking to Trevor Curnow from Trees Please![Article extracted from Landscape South Australia - Hills and Fleurieu - Reginal Landscape News for July 2021]

Every wondered why people give up their time and volunteer when life is just so busy? Check out the video below with group Trees Please Inc. who have been protecting the biodiversity at the famous artist Hans Heysen’s Hahndorf property, known as The Cedars, since 1998. You will quickly see that the history, art, and the environment (and a gourmet shared lunch!) is what keeps bringing this group back every week, and you’ll also hear about the social, fitness and wellbeing benefits volunteering has! If you would like to know more about volunteering opportunities in the Hills and Fleurieu region, contact Dana Miles.