School plantings green the west

SCHOOLS across the Moorabool region have taken part in Schools Tree Day.

Greater Western Water (GWW) staff have provided schools in their area with up to 50 native trees to plant on campus, including Bacchus Marsh Grammar which had a student working bee yesterday.

GWW officers have delivered about 2500 trees to 52 primary and secondary schools in the region with an aim to boost the region’s green spaces, habitat and canopy.According to the water utility, the western region has the lowest tree canopy cover in Melbourne at 5.5 per cent.

“Trees provide more shade, canopy cover and animal habitats,” said GWW’s general manager of strategy and partnerships Kessia Thomson.

“They keep our region cool, improve air quality and enhance local liveability.

“It’s great to see our local schools, from Gisborne to Manor Lakes, getting involved and contributing to a greener, healthier western region.”

“Initiatives such as these provide students with an opportunity to learn in an active environment while highlighting the important role they can play in creating a brighter, greener future.”

The official national Schools Tree Day was Friday 26 July.

The Trees for Schools program is a partnership between GWW, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, and local government areas as part of the More Trees for a Cooler Greener West initiative and Greening the West.