National Tree Day

Activate tree planting, photo credit Amber Bateup Photography

Another ​National Tree Day event that OHCG contributed to was the Activate Tree Planting Great Southern 2024, Takalarup. As part of the Healthy Estuaries WA program, OHCG was able to provide expertise, resources and our new Rural Event Toolbox. This family-friendly tree-planting event features live music and is supported by a community of volunteers.They planted and placed tree guards for around 6000 local endemic species at the Knuckey's property (OHCG members) near the Kalgan River just east of the Porongurup Range. It was great to have this Activate tree planting in our catchment. Thank you to all the many people and businesses that made such a unique event possible. Well done Rhian Thomas (Wren) envisioning and coordinating such a huge endeavour. This support was provided as part of the Healthy Estuaries WA Program- a state government Royalties for Regions program that aims to improve the health of the South West estuaries.

If you'd like to express interest in revegetating some of your property next year, please submit your interest here: www.ohcg.org.au/eoi-revegetation-and-fencing- opportunity.html. If you'd be interested in helping us at a planting day sign up here: www.ohcg.org.au/planting-day-volunteer.html
 
We have many iconic and unique trees and natural locations in the Oyster Harbour Catchment area. However, our environment and trees have been impacted with approximately 70% of our native vegetation cleared. Australia’s environment was reported in the 2021 State of the Environment Report as “poor and deteriorating”. Clearing of native vegetation is a major cause of habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as heritage and biodiversity decline. Land clearing has been implicated in the listing of 60% of Australia’s threatened species under the EPBC Act. Clearing also leads to processes that degrade soils such as erosion, salinisation, loss of organic matter and depleted fertility.
 
Oyster Harbour Catchment Group and our community have been fostering a more sustainable use of our natural resources for more than 30 years including the strategic planting of native trees to limit this detrimental impact of land clearing. We average 10-15 ha revegetated a year in partnership with local farmers and other stakeholders.
 
We recognise that significant events such as National Tree Day are a great annual opportunity to encourage individuals, families, schools, community groups, and businesses to come together and get their hands dirty for a good cause.
 
Since its inception in 1996, National Tree Day has continued to gain momentum Australia- wide inspiring thousands of Australians to participate. As a result, 27 million trees have been planted by 5 million volunteers over the last 28 years (www.treeday.planetark.org). It provides an opportunity for individuals of all ages to connect with nature and learn about the importance of environmental stewardship. Tree planting fosters a sense of community bringing people together to work towards a shared goal.