Friends of Willow Park at Wodonga started early to plant 500 saplings for Planet Ark National Tree Day, held nationally this Sunday.
The 15-member volunteer organisation was joined by 25 students from Wodonga TAFE VCAL Pathways Foundation, along with members of Friends of Clyde Cameron Reserve.
“We only have one tree planting a year,” said Friends of Willow Park member, Jenni Huber.
“This year we’ve been working with teachers from VCAL to meet plan outcomes. They’ve (the students) been preparing in class and then have gone on to do the work here today.”
“It’s also been about building work skills, which they’ll be assessed on today, which is nice,” she said.
Friends of Willow Park president, Don Grant, said that the community group has been caring for the community park for around a decade and contributes around 30 hours a week towards weeding and replanting.
“The enjoyment is when you see families and that kids have somewhere to come and play,” he said.
The volunteers at the tree planting were provided with a ‘sausage sizzle’ for lunch, with meal breaks a common occurrence at Friends of Willow Park activities.
“The social interaction is great,” said Friends of Willow Park member, Alison Veld. “We make a point of sharing food. It is a great community activity.”
The Friends of Willow Park tree planting was also supported by Wodonga City Council, which also supplied a tree-hole borer and manpower.
For further information about Friends of Willow Park and becoming a volunteer: http://ecoportal.net.au/groups/friends-of-willow-park/
Another community tree planting event will be held on Sunday, August 12, hosted by Wodonga Urban Landcare Network and Wodonga Council, with morning tea provided. Details as follows:
Time: 9.30am to 11.30am
Location: Enter off Yarralumla Drive, Gordon Hartsman Reserve
Special Instructions: Please bring your own hat, gloves and water. WULN has 100 plants set aside for this and will use the WiOS community planting trailer. Council to prepare planting holes, provide mulch and guards.
For further information, please contact Michael Power at Wodonga Council on (02) 6022 9377.
