Cockburn’s Wetlands Centre is calling for volunteers to help plant thousands of native species this winter.

The centre is running a series of community planning days around the Bibra Lake Reserve in May and June as part of its Thriving Wetlands, Thriving Community program.

Conservation, nursery and landcare officer Lanie Cottam says the project has never been more important, as habitats are disappearing.

“People like the furry animals, but we can’t put them anywhere in the bush unless there’s bush for them to go into,” she says.

Ms Cottam says if a planting season is missed, it has a significant effect on the environment.

Conservation biologist Angus Lawrie says wetlands are important spaces for relaxation and other recreational activities.

“People often don’t realise how much they appreciate wetlands until they’re gone,” he says.

“We’ve seen animals be put under pressure because of the deteriorating quality of wetlands, particularly in Perth.”

According to the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, Earth is losing wetlands three times faster than forests. 

Ms Cottam says the number of volunteers is increasing, but more are needed, with weeding just as important as planting. 

“For the first two years, every plant needs regular care, with watering taking place every two weeks for around six months of the year,” she says.

“if we don’t have our land and waters, we don’t have a planet. It’s our home; if we don’t care for our home, we’re in a lot of trouble.”

The restoration work is already showing visible results, particularly in areas that have been revegetated over time. 

“It wasn’t until we got the sedges (grasses) around it that we started seeing at least three different species of dragonfly – they weren’t there until we revegetated around it,” she says.