National Tree Day plants seeds of hope

Steven Bilston, Ken Marriott and Charmian Gaud planting at Altona Coastal Park. Photo: Marco De Luca

Nature lovers of all kinds are being invited to get their hands dirty for National Tree Day on Sunday, July 29.

Hobsons Bay council will host a planting event at Seaholme’s Altona Coastal Park, a habitat of many endangered birds.

More than 2600 indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses will be planted between 10am and 1pm.

Cr Sandra Wilson stressed the importance of looking after the municipality’s green open spaces and coastal and wetland areas.

“Hobsons Bay is home to a diverse range of ecosystems that provide habitat to an impressive range of flora and fauna, including many rare and threatened species,” she said.

“The indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses that will be planted on National Tree Day are part of an ongoing project to create a wildlife corridor. More than 5000 plants have been planted over the last three years.”

The event will also feature roving entertainment by nature-loving performers The Connies and a free barbecue lunch.

Maribyrnong council’s event will be held along the Maribyrnong River near Cranwell Park at Braybrook, with the aim of removing weeds such as Chilean needle grass and serrated tussock so native species will return to the area.

Participants can get involved in planting activities, see a wildlife show, join a walk and talk with the Wurundjeri community, finishing the day with coffee and lunch.

The Friends of Greenwich Bay group will hold its event along the Newport foreshore a week earlier, on July 22.

To RSVP for Hobsons Bay council’s event, email ranger@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au

Register for Maribyrnong council’s event at maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/Events/Sustainability-Environment-Events
Find or register a site at treeday.planetark.org