School leaves lasting legacy at Telford Park

YOUTHFUL energy and little green thumbs got Telford Park, Darley to look even lusher on Monday 25 August.

Nine hunded Bacchus Marsh Primary School students and staff were on site as part of a tree planting day to celebrate BMPS’ 175th year.

Buddies Emersyn (grade 5) and Zara (grade 1).

“To commemorate the anniversary in a permanent way, we wanted to do something sustainable that all the children could take part in,” said BMPS principal Melinda Williams.

Buddies Lyla (grade 1) and Ella (grade 5).

“This is something that they can pay forward for the future.

“It’s been a wonderful collaboration with the Moorabool Shire and Moorabool Landcare Network, enabling every child and every staff member to plant a tree and make a significant difference.”

Sally Yates and buddies Jack (grade 5) and Charlie (grade 1).

MLN facilitator Roger MacRaild said lots of eucalypts were already in the ground at the site near the sculpture trail, so the school planting day was an opportunity to get the lower canopy and mid shrub story growing.

Grade 3 student Ethan and BMPS principal Melinda Williams.

“We’ve got a few grasses and wildflowers around the front here, and we’re trying to create a relatively dense patch that will be well suited to small birds,” he said.

Nine hundred plants – one each for every student and staff member – were put into the ground on Monday ready for Tuesday’s rainy day.

“Things like the spreading wattle and the ploughshare wattle are great little bird habitat for birds like wrens.

“All of the plants are from the local area…so we’re in the right rainfall zone and soil type for the genetics.”

Mr MacRaild said it was great to help the school leave a “lasting legacy” for the environment.

“There are different levels of ability but the level of endeavour is there and they’re all enthusiastic to do it. That enthusiasm is contagious,” he said.