Latrobe City Council and Planet Ark are inviting Latrobe City residents to dig in and do something good for nature and the community as part of National Tree Day 2024.
Schools Tree Day (26 July 2024) and National Tree Day (28 July 2024) are Australia’s largest annual tree-planting and nature care events, with plantings taking place across the country on the last weekend of July.
Each year, around 300,000 people nationwide volunteer their time to engage in activities that encourage greater understanding of the natural world and how we can protect it.
Council is hosting a National Tree Day event at W H Burrage Reserve in Newborough on Sunday 28 July from 10am to 1pm (Parking is available at the entrance on John Field Drive, Newborough. Please note there will be no parking on or along Southwell Avenue, Moe).
During the week, local schools will also participate in a School’s Planting Day. This event provides students with an insight into how rewarding volunteering can be, improves their knowledge of local flora and helps build environmental stewardship.
The goal of these events is to improve the extent and quality of natural bushland habitats within our municipality by reintroducing indigenous plants back into the area.
Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Councillor Darren Howe, said that the simple action of planting a tree and connecting with nature can help improve our environment and make our community a happier and healthier place to live.
“National Tree Day is a great opportunity to maintain and enhance our beautiful environment for our local wildlife, as well as ensuring Latrobe City continues to be a great place to live,” said the Mayor.
“It is our hope that events such as National Tree Day encourage the community to become actively involved in the protection and enhancement of the natural environment so that future generations also have the opportunity to appreciate the unique landscapes Latrobe City has to offer.”
Approximately 1500 trees, shrubs, grasses and sedges will be planted to represent Plains Grassy Forest, a vegetation type which previously occurred in this area. Some of the plants that will be included are Yellow Stringybark, But-But, Silver Banksia, Rough Bush Pea, Narrow-leaf Bitter Pea and Kangaroo Grass. These indigenous plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions and will provide an important food source and habitat for native wildlife. As vegetation matures at the site, residents should see the return of native birds, animals, and insects to the area.
Residents can register to volunteer at the event via the National Tree Day website at https://treeday.planetark.org/site/10029486
Gloves, tools, drinking water, refreshments and equipment for planting will all be provided on the day. Community members who attend are reminded to wear sturdy footwear and bring a raincoat.