More than 3000 seedlings to be planted in Wagga Wagga as part of National Tree Day events

More than 3070 seedlings will be planted across the Wagga Wagga region as part of National Tree Day 2018.

Wagga Wagga City Council has donated 1570 seedlings to 22 local schools and preschools for Schools National Tree Day on Friday 27 July, and another 1500 for the community planting event on Sunday 29 July.

Co-hosted with Wagga Wagga Urban Landcare, the community planting day will be held at Rocky Hill Reserve, behind the Monumental Cemetery on Kooringal Road.

Wagga Wagga City Council’s Environmental Education Officer Samantha Parsell said it’s a chance to get your hands dirty, connect with nature and participate in a positive initiative for the environment.

“This year’s site at Rocky Hill Reserve was selected to revegetate a remnant patch of bushland located within an urban area.

“Revegetating the area with native grasses and shrubs will improve the habitat and can boost the native animal population. Reptiles and birds like kookaburras, fairy wrens, wattle birds and honeyeaters call this area home.

“We’ll plant 1500 grasses and shrubs including three species of wattle, three native grasses, bush pea, prickly tea-tree and kangaroo thorn.”

Miss Parsell is calling on locals to get involved, with volunteers at the community planting being treated to a free barbecue and extra seedlings to take home.

“If you want to beautify our city, help the environment and also improve your wellbeing, then grab your gumboots and gardening gloves and take part in the community planting,” she said.

Volunteers are asked to wear enclosed footwear, sun protection and gardening gloves.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY

What: Council staff and volunteer community members will plant 1500 seedlings as part of National Tree Day
Where: Rocky Hill Reserve, Monumental Cemetery, Kooringal Road) (site will be sign posted)
When: Sunday 29 July, 10am to noon

Volunteers should wear warm clothing, enclosed footwear and bring along a pair of gardening gloves. Volunteers will be treated to a free sausage sizzle and seedlings to take home.

For more information, contact Miss Parsell on 1300 292 442 or wagga.nsw.gov.au/enviroevents.