Greening up our community

NATIONAL TREE Day is only a few weeks away, and councils and community groups have organised planting events across the state.
Manningham and Nillumbik Councils will again be hosting their own planting events.
In Manningham, Council will host a planting event at Mullum Mullum Reserve, with the plan of enhancing the habitat corridor with young, indigenous plants along the edge of the creek and surrounds.
Manningham Mayor Jim Grivas said National Tree Day is a great opportunity to connect with nature and community while supporting the local environment.

“Planting indigenous trees helps restore our natural habitat and create a healthier environment for future generations, while also strengthening community connections.
This is a much-loved event on our community calendar, bringing together school students, community and conservation groups, and people from many faiths and cultures.
It’s for people of all ages and backgrounds, whether you’re planting for the first time or you’ve done it for years.
Everyone is welcome.”

In Nillumbik, the community are invited to help plant around 700 indigenous plants at Lower Eltham Park.
The planting is part of an ongoing revegetation project to strengthen the habitat corridor along the Diamond Creek, focusing on providing butterfly habitat for a number of species, including the Eltham Copper Butterfly that is found adjacent to the park in Hohnes Hill Reserve and also the locally significant Imperial Hairstreak.
Both Tree Day planting events begin at 10am on Sunday, July 26.
More information and any booking requirements can be found on your local council’s website.

Free indigenous plant for Nillumbik residents

Every household in Nillumbik can now register for a free indigenous tube-stock plant from Edendale Community Environment Farm.
Through the Nillumbik Resident Indigenous Plant Program, each residential property is eligible for one free plant that will grow to a shrub of two or more metres (renters should consider their rental agreement prior to planting).
Nillumbik Mayor Naomi Joiner said the exciting initiative is an action from the 2025–2029 Council Plan that contributes to the protection and enhancement of the shire’s tree canopy.

“The program also supports Council’s Urban Tree Canopy Strategy and Biodiversity Strategy.
It will help each and every one of us boost tree coverage throughout the Green Wedge Shire.”

Deputy Mayor Kate McKay led the free seedling initiative and said she was pleased to see it come to fruition.

“There’s plenty of backyard space in Nillumbik that can be planted up, and there are so many benefits to planting more trees.
From increasing the canopy to biodiversity and habitat, cooling, fresh air, and general wellbeing, we all benefit from having healthy and strong trees.”

Edendale Ward Councillor Kelly Joy said the Nillumbik Resident Indigenous Plant Program was ideal for everyone — not just green thumbs.

“When you collect your plant from the Edendale nursery, the friendly staff will be able to help you choose the best variety for your property.
Whether you’re expanding your garden or starting one, this program is for you!”

Residents collecting their plant can also receive a 20 per cent discount on a further 20 tube stock plants if they wish (only available on the day of collection).
Additional planting and maintenance resources are available on the Edendale Community Environment Farm website to help residents care for their new plant and contribute to a greener, more environmentally resilient Nillumbik.
Residents must register their details prior to collection at edendale.vic.gov.au/free-plant.