Bob and Pam Gillespie with the Wollemi Pine in Leckie Park

More than 100 people took part in planting events around Murrindindi Shire as part of National Tree Day on Sunday, July 28, with a number of events also held in the lead up to the day.

St Mary’s Primary School prep students partnered on Friday July 26 , with their Grade 5 buddies to plant grasses and sedges along the banks of UT Creek. This will help stabilise the soil on the beds and banks of the creek after the recent restoration works completed by Council.

Murrindindi Shire Council worked with Alexandra Rotary to plant 12 Jefferson Red Maple trees along the footpath in Leckie Park.

These trees will eventually grow into a spectacular avenue. The existing Prunus trees along the path will be removed once the maples have had a chance to establish themselves, as Prunus trees have been declared ‘environmental weeds’ because of their ability to invade our natural ecosystems.

A rare ‘Woolemi Pine’, donated by Bob and Pam Gillespie, was also planted in Leckie Park on the same day.

Environment Portfolio Councillor, Bec Bowles said from creek and river banks to the rail trail to established parks, it was fantastic to see so many people getting their hands dirty to help make our beautiful Shire even better.

“These plantings help stabilise soil and provide linked habitat for our native wildlife. Plus, all the contrasting and complimentary colours, shapes and textures of these plants are a wonderful sight for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

“Council was pleased to support the groups – they worked up a well-earned hunger!

“And a big ‘thanks’ to Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, which donated plants for many of the events, and also to Colin Tate, Sue Kosch and Cath Olive who assisted with the school plantings on the UT Creek.

“A shout out to Seymour Scouts too, who travelled to our Shire to help the Yellow Creek-Dairy Creek Landcare Group with a planting in Homewood along the rail trail.

“Thanks to Intrepid Landcare, who worked alongside the Scouts and Yellow Creek-Dairy Creek Landcare members. Our thanks also go to all the Landcare Groups who organised and held events across the Shire.

“If you missed out on being involved, there’s still time. Kinglake Landcare had to postpone their National Tree Day event until 18 August. If you’d like to lend a hand, give John Stewart a call on 0419 858 504

“All-in-all, 2023 plants were put in the ground to mark National Tree Day – a mammoth effort by all concerned. Well done everyone.” Cr Bowles said.

– Contributed