Leafing a legacy in Canterbury-Bankstown for the 30th National Tree Day

City of Canterbury Bankstown wants residents to dig in to celebrate 30 years of National Tree Day with a family-friendly community planting event along the Cooks River. 

Held on Sunday 26 July, 9:30am to 1pm at Cooks River Reserve in Belfield, the event will be a fun day of hands-on planting that will help to cool the local area, support local wildlife and restore important ecological connections. 

To mark 30 tree-mendous years of Planet Ark’s National Tree Day initiative, there will be something for green thumbs of every age, including a native animal display, butterfly tent with real butterflies, face painting and native plant giveaway. 

Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said National Tree Day is a great way for families, neighbours and nature lovers to connect with the Cooks River and play a part in restoring one of our most important natural corridors. 

“More than 14,000 seedlings have been planted in our City over the past 10 years, including Carysfield in Bass Hill, Band Hall in Birrong and Pat O’Connor Reserve in Canterbury,” Mayor El-Hayek said. 

“Last year alone, 176 incredible volunteers planted more than 2,075 seedlings and we’re expecting even more this year. 

“Every new plant helps strengthen our urban canopy, cool our neighbourhoods and support our unique local wildlife. 

“So, I invite you to sign up, roll up your sleeves and get planting to help make a difference to your local environment.” 

Participants will plant a mix of native trees, shrubs, grasses and ground covers, creating new habitat that will provide food and refuge for small birds, support a diversity of insects, including vital pollinators, and offer shelter for ground-dwelling animals such as frogs and lizards. 

Light refreshments will be provided including a sausage sizzle, coffee and cake. 

To find out more and to sign up, visit cb.city/TreeDay

Impact of tree-planting at Carysfield Reserve in Bass Hill

Prior to Cooks River Reserve, our National Tree Day event was held at Carysfield Reserve in Bass Hill. 

Between 2009 and 2014, approximately 6,000 seedlings were planted, transforming the area from a patchwork of bushland to a canopy that is today more than 2,460m2.