The author's fascination with native Australian trees and shrubs began nearly 30 years ago, mainly due to the tranquility of undisturbed old growth forest can provide. Living on a property in northern New South Wales, which has the luxury of still containing a pocket of nearly undisturbed subtropical rainforest, started the interest in the ability to identify native species, which has developed into a more serious botanical pursuit in recent times. Presently he is working on a forest regeneration project, converting 4 acres of alluvial river flat back to native subtropical forest. He has successfully raised more than 100 different native tree species, mainly from local seed stock, over the last ten years. Gaining experience in propagation from seed has provided the author with the practical expertise to identify young seedling trees in their natural habitat. His long term involvement in Landcare projects since the early 1990 has given the author valuable experience in river/creek bank stabilization (riparian) work using native species. Knowledge regarding reforestation and rainforest restoration has been gained through an involvement with Farm Foresters and other tree replanting projects.