Greening Gold Leaf

DARREN McLEAN

THE Gold Leaf Wetland Reserve in Huntly is set to receive another green upgrade when the Northern Bendigo Landcare Group hosts a planting event there on Sunday.

It’s part of the National Tree Day campaign and is among several activities happening around Bendigo to mark the Planet Ark national event.

National Tree Day began in 1996 and has developed into Australia’s biggest community tree planting and nature care event, with more than 27 million trees planted by five million volunteers so far.

Sunday’s activities start at 10am and will continue until 1pm, with site entry at 154 Pasley Street, Huntly.

Landcare group president and site organiser Ken Beasley said about 50 people participated in a similar event at Ironbark Gully last Sunday, which was hosted by The Ironbark Gully Friends.

For the Gold Leaf planting, Mr Beasley said about 1500 native grass and native shrub seedlings ­– technically understory seedlings – were ready.

The seedlings were bought using a Planet Ark Seedling Bank grant.

Anyone is welcome to participate in the planting, with all necessary equipment provided.

Mr Beasley said it would help if intending planters registered on the Planet Ark National Tree Day website, though registration was not a prerequisite.

“If people want to turn up for an hour and plant a couple of plants, that’s fine,” he said.

“We’re just happy for community participation, really. That’s the critical factor – getting the community to participate, enjoy the space, and hopefully they’ll look back and come back.”

The Gold Leaf Wetland Reserve has enjoyed community contributions and care for nearly a decade.

“It’s a little wetland area in the middle of an urban environment,” Mr Beasley said.

“The ultimate aim is to improve biodiversity and habitat values for native wildlife, particularly birds.”

Other events scheduled for Sunday include a Girl Guides planting at the Bendigo Creek and a Rotary activity at the Comet Hill Natural Features Reserve, near Lightning Reef Primary School.