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American poet Alfred Joyce Kilmer was on to something when he wrote just over a century ago, "I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree".
That opening line has since become one of the western world's most quoted pieces of poetry, no doubt because so many people relate to it.
Such sentiment remains strong today on the Redlands Coast where residents have a strong affinity with native trees and the wonderful wildlife they attract and support.
Redland City Council recently achieved an important milestone, having reached the 250,000 mark in an initiative to plant one million native plants across Redlands Coast by 2026.
The achievement was part of an ongoing planting program to enhance existing, and create new, wildlife corridors for koalas and other native species.
The One Million Native Plants initiative, and other community tree plantings, are important complements to council's raft of programs being rolled out under the city's Koala Conservation Action Plan.
Trees add beauty, habitat and value, especially local native species.
We need them, and our koalas and other wildlife need them.
When people put native trees into their gardens and care for the trees they already have, these beautiful healthy trees are an investment - they add value to your property, can reduce energy costs and improve the health of our community and environment.
They provide shade, act as a windbreak or noise screen, and produce oxygen for us to breathe.
They reduce emissions that lead to the greenhouse effect, prevent erosion and make our communities much more enticing.
They really do have a major 'feel good' factor.
The new nursery at the IndigiScapes environmental centre at Capalaba is currently growing about 16,000 plants covering 260 local species that residents can access, along with advice on what's appropriate for their gardens.
IndigiScapes, which also offers a range of environmental partnership programs and supports local Bushcare groups, can provide advice on how best to maintain your garden and street trees.
Council's Tree Services team has the task of maintaining the city's street and park trees, especially iconic specimens.
The ultimate focus is ensuring public safety, along with the preservation of green assets.
Redlands Coast has many significant trees and natural areas that are important to our community, and these areas require special care and consideration for their long term preservation.
Sometimes disease and safety concerns require removal but this is only if it is a safety hazard to people or property.
