National Tree Day comes to Bowral

16 October, 2012Posted in: Environment, Events
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Residents of the Southern Highlands will have an opportunity to make a difference to the local environment this Saturday 20 October at the National Tree Day Wingecarribee community planting event at Centennial Park in Bowral.

National Tree Day is an annual event organised by Planet Ark with each region given the option of scheduling it to suit their local conditions.

The Centennial Park Bushcare group and Wingecarribee Shire Council, in partnership with Planet Ark and with the support of local residents and environmental groups will be planting native trees, shrubs and groundcovers along Mittagong Creek.

The site was previously infested with the woody weeds which have been removed, providing a large mulched area that is now ready for planting.

The Centennial Park Project, which is funded by Council’s Environment Levy, has been developed to complement the major upgrade of Centennial Park Cricket Field which is also being undertaken by Council.

Chair of Council’s Environment and Sustainability Committee, Councillor Larry Whipper congratulated the efforts of all the volunteers.

“The efforts of all the volunteers involved in this project to date have been enormous. I look forward to the results of the tree planting, which will help increase the stability of the creek banks, improve downstream water quality and provide habitat for the various wildlife that inhabit the area,” he said.

“These results would not be achievable without the hard work and support of the local community.”

Members of the community are invited to join volunteers from local Scout groups, Bowral Lions Club, Bowral Garden Club, and the Highlands Cricket Association this Saturday the 20 October from 8.30am to 12.30pm to help with the planting.

Volunteers are asked to wear sun-smart clothing and sturdy footwear – tools, gloves and sunscreen will be supplied.

Lunch will be provided by the Bowral Lions Club following the planting.

Volunteers are requested to register for the Tree Day beforehand if possible to assist with catering. All volunteers are required to sign in at the registration table on arrival at the event.

Further details can be found online at www.wsc.nsw.gov.au and following the links to Council’s community Events calendar or by phoning Council’s National Tree Day Event Organiser on 4868 0772.