Residents and gardening enthusiasts in The Hills Shire are encouraged to participate in this year’s National Tree Day by joining efforts to plant 6000 trees, native shrubs, and ground cover.
Scheduled for Sunday, July 28, from 9am to 12pm, the main tree planting event will be held at Wheelie Park in the Gables. The Castle Hill Lions Club will generously host a complimentary barbecue during the event, providing a delightful opportunity for attendees to socialize and recharge.
In addition to the main event, two smaller tree-planting gatherings are scheduled. The first will take place at Crane Road Reserve in Castle Hill on July 21, from 1pm to 3pm. The second event, already fully booked, will be held at Oxlade Reserve in North Kellyville on August 4, also featuring a complimentary barbecue for participants.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Peter Gangemi, expressed his enthusiasm for the community’s involvement in expanding the local tree canopy. “Since 2019, tree coverage in The Hills has increased significantly from 23.5% to 29.1% according to NSW Government data,” Mayor Gangemi remarked. “This positive trend underscores our commitment to enhancing our environment, especially in newer suburbs like the Gables.”
“This year, our aim is to plant 1000 more trees compared to last year’s National Tree Day, across all three sites,” Mayor Gangemi continued. “I urge our community to come together and contribute towards revitalizing our local environment.”
National Tree Day, organized annually by Planet Ark, stands as Australia’s largest community tree planting and nature protection event. Each year, over one million new trees, shrubs, and grasses are planted nationwide, promoting environmental stewardship and community engagement.
Tools, trees, and plants will be provided on the day of the event. Participants are encouraged to bring essential items such as hats, water bottles, gardening gloves, and sunscreen for their comfort and protection.
To register for any of the National Tree Day events, interested parties can visit The Hills Shire Council’s website at www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for ‘National Tree Day 2024.’ This initiative promises to be a rewarding opportunity for community members to actively contribute to the preservation and enhancement of local green spaces.
