More than 100 native Australian trees were planted by Acorn East kindergarten students with the help of Council’s Natural Areas team at Baldwin Swamp Environmental Park for National Tree Day on Friday.
The event was an opportunity for the children to connect and engage with nature, experience a local natural area and support improvements to their local environment by planting native trees.
Acorn East kindergarten teacher Cassandra Hansford said it was the third time the centre had participated in the annual event and it was a standout on their calendar.
The four-and-five-year-old children donned their gardening gloves, broad-brimmed hats and big smiles as they dug holes and planted native saplings in the Baldwin Swamp park during the beautiful winter weather.
Cassandra said it was important to teach the children from a young age about the environment and taking part in National Tree Day was exciting.
“At the school we have just planted some grass trees and the children are now learning about composting and we have started a worm farm as well,” she said.
“Lunch and morning tea scraps get taken home to staff’s chickens, so the children are learning how to reduce waste.
“The kids just love getting out in the environment and this tree planting for National Tree Day is a highlight on our calendar.”
Learning about the environment from a young age
Fletcher Litson, 4, said he was excited to plant the trees and he also did gardening at home.
“We planted 100 trees and I put two in the ground, now my gloves are all dirty because I was squeezing the dirt and the soil,” Fletcher said.
“At home I pick weeds out of the garden with my dad.”
Cassandra said she looked forward to next year’s tree planting and said it was possible because of the ongoing relationship between Acorn East and the Council.
“We really do look forward to this every year,” she said.
National Tree Day recognised
Natural Areas Officer Sally Obst organised the local event in support of the national day coordinated by Planet Ark and said a variety of trees had been planted to support the green corridor in the urban part of Bundaberg.
“The trees we planted will provide protection for the turtles as they sun themselves,” Sally said.
“We planted native species found within Baldwin Swamp.”
Sally said the annual event was about inspiring the younger generation to take notice of their local environment.
“It really was a pleasure working with the children,” Sally said.
“We also have other tree planting events that take place in the region and community members can become involved by contacting Council.”
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