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Pinus radiata

Other Name Radiata Pine, Monterey Pine, "The Mother Tree" Location Creswick Regional Park, Le Gerche Walking Track,, CRESWICK VIC 3363 - Property No T12110 File Number T12110 Level State

[1/2] T12110 Pinus radiata [2/2] T12110 Pinus radiata

Statement of Significance

Contribution to landscape
Historical value

This Pinus radiata tree is associated with the work of pioneer "Forester and Warden", John LaGerche. Of the many species planted by John LaGerche, the Radiata Pine has become one of the most important commercial softwood trees in southern Australia. Therefore, this tree is a significant living monument to the work of John LaGerche. The tree is growing on the site originally used by LaGerche as a nursery for raising seedlings to revegetate the Creswick area following gold mining. John LaGerche did a lot to establish responsible forest management and the principles of landcare through his work in the Ballarat-Creswick Forest.
The tree is located in the middle of Sawpit Gully plantation - an experimental planting area established in the late 1880s with a view of more extensive planting in mined over areas.LaGerche sourced his seed from various locations including the Macedon Nursery, Ballarat Water Board Nursery and the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.