ITS hoped about 1000 trees can be planted along Tarradarrapin Creek at Birkdale this Sunday.
Redland City Council has organised a tree planting for July 31 – National Tree Day.
The flogged out watercourse has been badly impacted by the dumping of thousands of tonnes of municipal waste at the Birkdale dump.
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the idea of National Tree Day was to improve conditions for future generations across Australia, with the local planting an opportunity for residents to support council’s planting efforts.
“Since it launched in 1996, Planet Ark’s National Tree Day has become our country’s largest community tree planting event, with more than 3.8 million participants helping to plant in excess of 22 million native trees, shrubs and grasses across our nation,” Cr Williams said.
“This event is the perfect opportunity for residents to get out and enjoy the great outdoors while at the same time providing future habitat for local wildlife and contributing to council’s goal of planting 60,000 trees this financial year.
“Not only is this event good for the environment, it’s also good for your personal wellbeing, with research from Planet Ark showing that spending time in nature is key to becoming happier, healthier, calmer and smarter.”
Cr Tracey Huges said the day would be run by council’s Bushcare program, which was celebrating 16 years of hosting National Tree Day events.
“This free, family-oriented community event will help to protect and expand important habitat along Tarradarrapin Creek, improving water quality of the local waterway and providing homes and food for local wildlife,” she said.
“National Tree Day not only helps green the Redlands, it also generates a great sense of community pride and environmental awareness, especially for kids who enjoy planting some of the 1.2 million native plants that will be planted nationwide this year.
“Our community plantings are popular events, often attracting more than 200 volunteers who are eager to do their part for our natural environment, as well as enjoy a free sausage sizzle after the planting, participation certificates for kids and lucky door prizes.”
Residents are encouraged to wear enclosed shoes, sun-smart clothing and bring their own drinking water. Plants and all other equipment including gloves, sunscreen, gardening tools and insect repellent will be provided by council.
The event will start at 11am at the Judy Holt Reserve, Birkdale.
It is adjacent to the Birkdale Waste Transfer Station off Old Cleveland Road East. Off-street parking is available (UBD Ref Map 184 N9).
Bring enclosed shoes, sun protection and drinking water. The council supplies plants, tools, sunscreen, insect repellent and gardening gloves.
