An important environmental reserve, which is the home to a vulnerable species, will get a helping hand from community members.
Sunshine Coast residents have been encouraged to take park in family-friendly tree planting events, held across the region until Saturday, August 6.
The events coincide with National Tree Day, a nationwide effort to care for nature on Sunday, July 31,
Sunshine Coast Council Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez urged locals to dig in and sign up for an event near them, including at a reserve that is home to a vulnerable frog.
“The main event on July 31 will be an opportunity for our community to lend a hand to further restore the Doonan Creek Environment Reserve, spend a day outdoors and connect with nature,” she said.
“The reserve is a special place and an important coastal habitat area with vegetation that ranges from iconic coastal heath, scribbly gum forest to melaleuca wetlands.
“It’s home to more than 125 different bird and 24 different mammal species and vulnerable wallum frogs.
“Our community has helped council restore the reserve for many years, and in the last three years alone, has planted more than 11,700 native trees, shrubs and ground covers.
“There are also six other free family tree planting events that they can sign up to help restore their local environment.
“We invite everyone across the region to be part of Australia’s largest tree planting event at a local level because every tree or shrub planted makes a difference and is a win for the local wildlife and biodiversity of our region.”
Tree planting events
- Wednesday, July 27: Quota Memorial Park, Nambour.
- Friday, July 29: Warana Foreshore Reserve, Warana.
- Sunday, July 31: Doonan Creek Environment Reserve, Verrierdale which will include a wildlife display, live music, free food and coffee (main event)..
- Wednesday, August 3: Mary Cairncross Environment Reserve, Maleny.
- Saturday, August 6: Marcoola Foreshore Reserve, Marcoola.
Gloves and equipment for planting will be provided. Participants should wear sturdy, enclosed shoes, be sun safe and bring a reusable water bottle. Bookings are essential via Eventbrite.
The first event was held at Kawana Forest Bushland Reserve, Meridan Plains, on Monday, July 25.
National Tree Day is organised by Planet Ark, in partnership with Toyota Australia and its Dealer Network.
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