Wednesday 18 July 2012
Greater Taree City Council and Taree Landcare, in partnership with Planet Ark, are inviting members of the local community to participate in National Tree Day activities on Sunday 29 July 2012.
Celebrating its 17th year in 2012, National Tree Day has resulted in the planting of more than 17 million native trees and shrubs since its inception.
Tanya Cross, Council’s Senior Environmental Planner says that National Tree Day is a great day to get outside and have some fun while doing something good for the local environment. “It’s easy, fun and is a small investment of time in return for some great environmental, community and health benefits.”
This year Council will be hosting its very first National Tree Day event at Cattai Wetlands on Sunday 29 July from 9am to 1pm. Council has been working hard to restore the wetlands (a former grazing property near Coopernook) since it was purchased in 2003 with the main aim of remediating an acid sulfate soils 'hot spot'. However the site also provides important habitat for many threatened plants and animals and over 170 bird species including the endangered Black-necked Stork, or ‘Jabiru’ as it is more commonly known. Cattai also acts as a wildlife corridor linking Crowdy Bay National Park to the Lansdowne escarpment. This event will build on Council's recent efforts to revegetate an area previously cleared for farming known locally as ‘Sawpit Gully’, which will help to enhance this regionally important corridor.
Tanya said that as public access to the site is normally by appointment or invitation only, this is a unique opportunity for the community to contribute to the restoration of the site and to experience the natural beauty of the area at the same time. “The community is invited to come along and plant a tree and then take a wander around the wetlands. All participants taking part on the day will be treated to a free BBQ, catered for by the Harrington Lions Club, and a copy of the local book ‘Indigenous Plants of Greater Taree’.”
Tanya added that with government funding Council has been able to enhance visitor facilities at the site, which has included additions to the walking trail network and the construction of a new toilet block, so is well on its way to ‘opening up’ the Cattai Wetlands to the community by the end of the year.
Taree Landcare will also be hosting a National Tree Day event at the Kolodong Reserve on Sunday 29 July from 9:30am to 1:30pm. Kolodong Reserve is located on the corner of Wingham Road and Hargreaves Drive near the entrance to the Kolodong Industrial Estate. This area is being revegetated to enhance its role as a wildlife corridor, which links the forested areas of Cedar Party to Munghi Creek. This corridor provides important habitat for local wildlife, particularly the koala, which is regularly sighted in the area. A BBQ lunch will be provided by the Taree Lions Club.
All tree planting equipment will be provided at both events, however participants are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing including a hat, covered shoes, long-sleeved shirt and long pants.
To find out more about National Tree Day or to register for either of these events, please visit the website at treeday.planetark.org or contact Council’s Senior Environmental Planner, Tanya Cross via Council’s Customer Service Unit on 6592 5399.
National Tree Day is organised by Planet Ark in partnership with Toyota and its Dealer Network, which provides on the ground support at local community tree planting sites Australia wide.