Parramatta digs deep on National Tree Day

Parramatta’s community dug deep and gave back to nature by planting 10,000 native seedlings on National Tree Day, Australia’s largest tree planting event.

The popular annual event saw about 500 attendees including families, community groups and local green thumbs join Council’s Bushcare team to improve the natural bushland at Upjohn Reserve in Dundas.

City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Pierre Esber, who attended the event on Sunday, said planting trees, shrubs and grasses help to stabilise the creek line.

“In the past 10 years, our community has planted more than 80,000 native trees and plants at various National Tree Day sites across our City including Upjohn Reserve Park,” Cr Esber said.

“This will increase vegetation to the critically endangered Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest community and provide an essential habitat for native wildlife.

“I thank all our volunteers and our Bushcare team for all their hard work, who dug deep to help maintain our beautiful green spaces within our City.”

Parramatta local Alice Plioplis, who participated in a National Tree Day event on the weekend for the first time, said it helps to educate the community about nature.

“It provides an opportunity for us to come together and celebrate nature,” she said.

“I like how we can teach our kids about being caretakers for the environment and community.”

Council’s Bushcare Program is volunteer based with meetings once a month at various bushland program to assist with habitat monitoring, weed removal, tree planting and restoration projects.

To volunteer or learn more about the Bushcare program, visit Council’s Bushcare Program