One year after the initial National Tree Day event, Koala Street Reserve showcases remarkable progress with continued bush regeneration and the planting of 450 additional trees.
Planet Ark’s National Tree Day, which started in 1996, has blossomed into Australia’s largest community tree-planting and nature care event.
It serves as a call to action for all Australians to roll up their sleeves, get their hands dirty, and give back to the community by enhancing our natural environment.
One of the most rewarding aspects of National Tree Day is witnessing the transformation of the trees planted in previous years. Watching them grow and mature into flourishing green areas provides immense satisfaction and joy to our community members and visitors, ensuring that these green spaces can be enjoyed for generations to come.
This year, on Sunday, 28 July, the Environmental Operations team, along with the Community Activation team, successfully orchestrated a massive tree-planting effort. They were joined by 52 dedicated volunteers, including Council staff, Hastings Youth Voice members, active local environmental volunteers, and enthusiastic community members, who all came together to plant 450 trees in Koala Street Reserve, Port Macquarie!
The Koala Street Reserve site was selected in 2023 after it suffered damage from illegal bike track constructions. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, the reserve now boasts a total of 1,450 trees. It is steadily on its way to becoming a lush, green sanctuary once again.
To highlight the community’s dedication and Council’s commitment to environmental sustainability, Ben White, Environmental Operations Coordinator at Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, shared his thoughts on this year’s event and the progress of the site over the year:
“We are really happy with the progress of the site to date and as we continue to invest in its aftercare, we are expecting to see a full canopy develop. It was fantastic to see so many kids involved this year and a special thanks to the parents involved.”
As we celebrate the success of National Tree Day 2024, let’s remember that every tree planted today contributes to a greener, healthier tomorrow. We encourage everyone to continue participating in these vital community efforts, ensuring that our environment remains vibrant and resilient for future generations.
Thank you to all the volunteers, Council staff, and community members who made National Tree Day 2024 a resounding success. Your hard work and dedication are truly inspiring.
Together, we can make a difference, one tree at a time.
