Offer of more greenery for schools

SCHOOLS in Moorabool will have the chance to receive up to fifty native trees to plant this year as part of a water company’s program.

Schools across Greater Western Water’s service area, which includes Bacchus Marsh, Myrniong, and Merrimu, have been invited to lodge expressions of interest for the Trees for Schools program.

The program is a collaboration between GWW, local governments, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, and landscaping supply company ecoDynamics, through the More Trees for a Cooler Greener West program and Greening the West.

A total of up to 4000 native trees are available as part of the program, with stakes and guards also provided to each school.

While the eastern suburbs of Melbourne have 25.9 per cent canopy cover, mapping and analysis has shown that the western region has the lowest tree canopy cover in wider metropolitan are, at 5.5 per cent.

GWW’s general manager of strategy and partnerships Kessia Thomson called on schools within the water utility’s service area to apply and help bring about a greener future for the west.

Tree planting and maintenance can also be a great learning experience for students, she said.

“Tree canopy improves air quality, cooling through shading, and provides habitats for birds, insects and some mammals,” said Ms Thomson.

“The program will not only raise awareness about the benefits of green spaces and how trees help to reduce urban heat, but also provides an opportunity for an active learning environment.

“Students can participate in preparing sites, planting trees and doing general maintenance and watering.”

Ms Thomson said she hopes this year’s Trees for Schools program will be even more successful than 2023, which saw 27 schools, including Pentland Primary School, plant more than 1000 trees.

Expressions of interest opened on Monday 26 February, and close Monday 22 April and for more information on how to get involved visit Greater Western Water’s website.