New seedlings are settling into the ground thanks to local volunteers

Residents of Wagga Wagga and surrounds braced the chilly morning breeze on Sunday 28 July to help plant 1500 seedlings into the ground for National Tree Day 2024.

The community planting event was run by Wagga Wagga City Council in partnership with Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation, who will continue to provide stewardship and care for the planting site.

Environmental Education Officer Christina Reid said Council and their partners are grateful to all who showed up on the day.

“Thank you to all our amazing community volunteers who braved the freezing wind and made our National Tree Day event such a great success with 1500 seedlings in the ground by lunch time,” Ms Reid said.

“Our event booked out online, and even with the wet and freezing weather deterring some, the event still saw over 50 volunteers on the day made up of various members of the community - kids, adults, returners and first timers - all who chose to give up their Sunday morning to help our local biodiversity.

“Several local land care groups provided volunteers on the day which made a huge difference. Some of these groups include Urban Landcare, Murrumbidgee Landcare, Rocky Hill Regeneration Project, Murrumbidgee Field Naturalists, and Girl Guides groups.”

There was a complimentary lunch waiting for the hardworking volunteers, provided by ErinEarth with sponsorship from Council. Volunteers were also able to take home a free native seedling to plant.

“ErinEarth provided a fabulous and healthy spread on location. It was wonderful for participants to warm their hands on a hot mug of soup after working hard on such a cold day.”

The seedlings planted were specifically chosen to support the restoration of preexisting woodland at the chosen site in Bomen.

Once the seedlings become established, the new layer of woodland will support a range of native biodiversity.

“For those who missed out on this event or want to get involved in more environmental events, our next One Tree for Me seedling giveaway will be at Estella Shopping Centre on Thursday 15 August from 2pm-6pm.”

For more environmental events, follow Wagga Wagga City Council’s Environmental Team on Facebook: @SustainableWaggaWagga and sign up to their newsletter: