Planting for posterity

VOLUNTEERS from the Friends of Specimen Vale (FoSV) have been preparing for their annual National Tree Day planting event along the Specimen Vale Creek walking track in Ballarat East.

The working bee will take place on Thursday 24 July from 9.30am and everyone is invited to take part.

“The City of Ballarat have dropped off gear in readiness for the big day, and drilled holes to make planting easier,” FoSV co-lead Meredith Harvey said.

“The ground has been like concrete, though hopefully recent rain is beginning to soak in.

“Three hundred holes were dug, marked and watered.”

FoSV volunteers meet fortnightly on the walking track beside Specimen Vale Creek, between Stawell and Princes streets south.

“Specimen Vale Creek is one of many little tributaries of the Yarrowee Creek which was degraded by gold mining,” Ms Harvey said.

“This year, along with other local environment groups, we have joined the Urban Ripple Project, a Victorian Government initiative which plans to restore 13 sites along Ballarat waterways.

“The aim of the project is to plant 700 indigenous plants in our one-kilometre stretch between June 2025 and June 2026.

“We enjoy the support of the City of Ballarat which provides necessary materials, plants and ground preparation. We also enjoy the support of Ballarat Geocachers, Mount Clear College and St Alipius Parish School.”

For the third year, the group is celebrating National Tree Day, organised by Planet Ark in partnership with Toyota Australia.

“As with our regular working bees, we extend an invitation to all local residents to join us on National Tree Day,” Ms Harvey said.

“We will be gathering on the track at Chamberlain Street, Thursday 24 July, 9.30am to 11am, followed by a delicious morning tea.

“Anyone interested in digging in and planting a tree for posterity will be made most welcome.”

Anyone who would like further information about FoSV working bees and National Tree Day celebrations can contact [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected] .