VICTORIA
Yarra Ranges Council is teaming up with local schools and community groups in a bid to plant more than 37,000 native plants across the municipality.
Students from Woori Yallock Primary School yesterday joined Councils Bushlands team to plant 900 seedings along the Warburton Rail Trail.
Mayor, Jim Child said the program was vital for improving the conservation of important sites and supporting native plants and animals.
“Revegetation offers multiple benefits, such as improving biodiversity, creating habitats, managing stormwater, filtering water, sequestering carbon, and preventing erosion,” said Mayor Child.
“Working with local indigenous nurseries and schools further benefits the community,” he said.
Students from various schools including St Patricks Primary in Lilydale, Healesville Primary and Wesburn Primary will also join with Council to participate in future planting events.
Woori Yallock Primary School Grade 5/6 Teacher, Lisa Syme said the students enjoyed working on such a positive project that contributes to their community and neighbourhood.
“It’s great that they are able to do something that benefits their local community over the long term. So many of them live in this community and in 10 years’ time they’ll be able to walk down here and see the difference they made,” Ms Syme said.
Mayor Child highlighted the collaborative effort between Council staff, schools, and community groups.
“It’s great to involve local schoolchildren and show them how to plants trees and help teach them the importance of regeneration projects, but it’s also an opportunity for them to make a lasting contribution, one that they can visit year after year to watch the trees grow.”
“Sometimes we’ll have an entire school actively involved in enhancing the biodiversity of their nearby Bushland so it’s pretty special and reflects the commitment these schools make to connecting their students to the natural environment, which is a part of what makes our area so unique,” he said.
Council is supporting National Tree Day this year by hosting free planting days at Everard Park, Healesville, on Sunday, 30 July, Birdsland Reserve,Belgrave Heights, on Sunday, 6 August, and Wandin Yallock Creek, Seville, on Sunday, 13 August.
“National Tree Day is always a great opportunity not only to look after our local environment, but to get involved in the community and work together for a great cause,” said Mayor Child.
“I encourage everyone who loves the environment, loves gardening, or just loves meeting people and having some fun, to get involved in this wonderful event.”
