Planting a tree for National Tree Day for a better environment

Tuesday 25 July 2023

Thousands of native trees and shrubs will be planted to restore the unique natural habitat along Kororoit Creek on Wurundjeri Country, as part of the celebrations for National Tree Day on Sunday, 30 July from 10am to 1pm.

National Tree Day is Australia’s largest tree planting event and Melbourne Water is inviting budding gardeners to join The Friends of Kororoit Creek in a community tree planting event along Kororoit Creek Corridor at the Bug Rug site.

Melbourne Water is encouraging groups and individuals to become actively involved with restoration efforts to revitalise the Kororoit Creek corridor –designed to improve endangered habitats and safeguard native aquatic populations.

Melbourne Water Waterways and Land Officer, Regional Services, Gerard Morel, said the National Tree Day initiative is led by Planet Ark, which aims to plant one million trees across Australia this year – our local planting event contributing to this goal.

A key focus for the restoration and enhancement efforts is planting up to 3,000 wildflowers, shrubs, grasses, and trees to enhance and restore significant ecological values, such as the grasslands and Growling Grass Frog habitat along Kororoit Creek.

“National Tree Day involves more than planting native trees to rejuvenate the local area, it’s also a chance for our community to learn about and get involved in conserving their local environment,” he said.

Kororoit Creek is a major natural asset in Melbourne’s western region. It carries rainfall and stormwater to Port Phillip and provides habitat, food and a safe passage for frogs, waterbirds, fish, and other water-dependent species. As most of Kororoit Creek catchment is within a comparatively low rainfall area, it is important that stream flow and health is maintained as urban pressures increase around the creek.

“Coming together as a community and being in nature is not only great for our environment but you’re also providing a habitat for native wildlife and making our community a better place to live,” he said.

The tree planting will take place along Kororoit Creek from 10am-1pm and at the Bug Rug site accessible from 59 Sanders Ave, Sunshine.

The event will recognise the Traditional Owners with a Welcome to Country performed by a Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung elder followed by a Smoking ceremony.

“Those in attendance can also enjoy a range of planting activities, food and live music – making it the perfect day out for all ages,” he added.

Volunteers are asked to bring their own drinking water, all weather clothing, and enclosed shoes.

The National Tree Day event along Kororoit Creek at the Bug Rug is in partnership with the Friends of Kororoit Creek, and Melbourne Water.

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