Campbelltown City Council is calling on volunteers of all ages to take part in a community tree planting event and barbecue at Smith’s Creek Reserve, Georges River Road, Ruse this Sunday, July 26, in celebration of National Tree Day.
Volunteers of all ages are sought to help plant around 500 native eucalypt seedlings on the day, which will grow to provide koala food and habitat within the reserve.
Initiatives of Planet Ark, National Tree Day and School’s Tree Day combine to make Australia’s largest community tree planting and nature care event, providing residents, schools and businesses with the opportunity to participate in improving their natural environment. More than 3 million people have planted 21 million trees and plants since the initial project in 1996.
The Smith’s Creek Reserve tree planting event is part of Council’s Improving Urban Koala Habitat Linkages and Community Stewardship project, conducted in partnership with Greater Sydney Local Land Services (LLS).
It focuses on an area of bushland where the endangered Shale Sandstone Transition Forest exists, with the aim of restoring the canopy by planting native Eucalypt species comprising koala food and habitat trees.
Native plants for the tree planting day will be funded by a $1000 contribution from LLS, part of a $40,000 grant allocated to the overall project. It is expected that around 500 seedlings will be planted on the day.
Mayor of Campbelltown, Cr Paul Lake, said that National Tree Day would be a great opportunity for local residents and students to do something positive for the local environment and to reconnect with nature.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Smith’s Creek Reserve is recognised as important koala habitat, and the planting activity on the day will help to enhance corridor linkages and ensure the sustainability of our natural woodlands.[/social_quote]
“It will also directly contribute to the conservation of the resident koala population by planting known koala food and habitat trees,” Cr Lake said.
Involvement in the National Tree Day initiative forms part of council’s ongoing commitment to promoting environmental awareness and sustainability within the community. This year marks council’s 16th anniversary of participation in the event.
Interested community members are encouraged to register for National Tree Day online via treeday.planetark.org, and join fellow volunteers on site at any time between 8am and 12.30pm on the day.
Volunteers should wear enclosed shoes (such as sneakers), with long pants and long sleeves also recommended.
A free barbecue will be provided for all registered volunteers.
National Tree Day activities at Smith’s Creek will also see the launch of a new Bushcare group for the site. Attendees will be able to register their interest on the day, with the first Smith’s Creek Bushcare working day to be scheduled in the near future.
Find out more, or register, on the official National Tree Day website, which is here.
♦ South West Sydney National Tree Day:
What: Liverpool City Council is hosting a National Tree Day activity
Where: Joshua Moore Park, Eureka Cescent Sadleir NSW 2168
When: Sunday, 26 July 2015 9am to 12 noon. More info here.
What: Fairfield City Council Tree Planting
Where: Christie Street Prairiewood NSW 2176
When: Sunday, 26 July 2015 9am to 1pm. More info here.
What: Bankstown City Council Tree Planting
Where: 134 Auburn Road, Birrong NSW 2143
When: Sunday, 26 July 2015 10am to 1pm. More info here.
