Victorian Landcare Magazine - Spring 2024, Issue 88
Just over 10 years ago Bairnsdale Urban Landcare Group (BULG) started celebrating National Tree Day with Bairnsdale Scout Group by planting local indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses along both banks of the Mitchell River in Bairnsdale.
The July 2022 event saw 45 members of the two groups plant 500 grasses and graminoids in the ever-expanding site on the north bank of the Mitchell River. Some plants were added to the border of the popular walking track, with the majority mass-planted with the aim of out competing the introduced grasses prevalent along the river. The Scouts and Landcare members planted, watered, guarded and mulched the plants before enjoying a tasty morning tea together.
The involvement of the Scouts on National Tree Day has been a wonderful contribution to the ongoing planting undertaken by BULG over the past 20 years. During this time the riverside has been transformed from weed-filled paddocks to an urban bushland that is now self-seeding and has seen the return of myriad wildlife. The riverside walking track is a popular venue for walkers and the weekly Park Run.
As well as planting trees BULG is planting a seed in the minds of those we work with. The young participants learn that planting a tree is easy, fun, important to the biodiversity of the region, and never more necessary than today.
BULG also provided guidance to a 2022 National Tree Day project run by Bairnsdale Secondary School Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) students. Using their 2021 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grant, the students invited children from East Gippsland Special School to participate in planting the wetlands adjacent to the secondary school grounds.
Above: Members of Bairnsdale Scout Group planted 500 grasses and graminoids along the banks of the Mitchell River Bairnsdale on National Tree Day, 2022.
The planning and organisation of the event provided opportunities for the VCAL students to demonstrate leadership and organisational skills in a supported environment.
Climate change is a cause of anxiety among young people. By participating in events such as National Tree Day young people feel empowered and that they can make a difference, which is essential to their health and wellbeing.
In January 2023, BULG’s National Tree Day events received the East Gippsland Australia Day 2023 Community Event of the Year Award sponsored by the East Gippsland Shire Council. A few days later the event was also awarded the Bairnsdale Australia Day 2023 Community Event of the Year Award sponsored by the Bairnsdale Classic Car Club. A double celebration for Landcare and the environment.
National Tree Day is just one day each year, but it is a great opportunity for school students and Scouts to learn about the natural environment, gain experience in planning and managing events while forging broader community relationships. What could be better?
Maxine Semple is Secretary of Bairnsdale Urban Landcare Group Inc. For more information email bairnsdaleurbanlandcaregroup@gmail.com