Green thumbs to unite and plant it forward

AS THE Geelong Nature Festival returns to the region for this year, the community is invited to get things growing at a special tree planting event on Friday, July 18.

Hosted by Deakin University, in collaboration with the City of Greater Geelong and Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA), the Plant it Forward event will take place at Jarvis Oval, Waurn Ponds.

Through the community-driven effort, planting the trees will help restore native vegetation, improve the health of the waterway and support the recovery of native species.

Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the volunteer plantings are an example of the shared commitment to restoring Waurn Ponds Creek.

“The efforts contribute to the health of the entire catchment, support biodiversity, and help create resilient green spaces to meet the challenges of urbanisation and climate change.”

The tree planting event will also help implement the Kitjarra-dja-bul Bullarto langi-ut masterplan for the Waurn Ponds Creek, Lower Moorabool River and Lower Barwon River Corridor.

Corangamite CMA chief executive officer Amber Clarke said they are proud to support Deakin University’s Plant it Forward tree planting day.

“Corangamite CMA is proud to support the restoration efforts by Deakin University of the Waurn Ponds Creek as part of the CMA’s suite of state government-funded Green Links projects.

“Plant it Forward is a great opportunity for the community to see how this funding is delivering on the goals of improving both the health and amenity of urban waterways.”

The Friends of Waurn Ponds Creek will also join in tree planting on National Tree Day on July 27.

Bookings are essential for the Plant it Forward event and can be made at geelongaustralia.com.au where the full list of Geelong Nature Week activities can also be found.

People heading along are encouraged to dress for cold weather, wear sturdy shoes, bring gardening gloves and a water bottle.