Almost 100 people joined us for our first Community Planting Day of 2024 at Mandoon Moitch (Guildford Meadow), on the edge of the Swan Valley.
Despite the cool temperatures, volunteers of all ages and abilities came together to plant over 6000 native trees and plants.
Located on the banks of the Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River) our Mandoon Moitch restoration project contains a significant remnant wetland, once surrounded by riparian vegetation, and a Eucalyptus rudis (Moitch / Flooded Gum) woodland.
The site was largely cleared for grazing in the 1930s, with only the wetland and a few large trees remaining. Now a part of Whiteman Park, it’s an area of environmental importance that provides viable habitat for threatened and at-risk native animal species, and is home to significant, registered cultural sites of the local Noongar people. Since the foundation of this partnership in 2016, we've planted over 70,000 native trees and plants in this area. A wide range of endangered local wildlife species frequent the area including Carnaby's Black Cockatoos, possums and bandicoots.
Following a record-breaking hot, dry Summer in Perth, which scientists have predicted will lead to a significant ‘forest collapse’ event across WA, the need to plant more trees to replace these losses is bigger and more urgent than ever.
This year more than ever, everyone needs to play their part in restoring the ecological health of some of WA’s most threatened forest areas.
Trillion Trees’ Ecological Restoration Manager, Julian Beasley, says this restoration work is essential to rebuilding lost natural habitats and restoring biodiversity.
“As we emerge from the longest dry-spell in WA’s history, it’s up to us to help replenish the landscape we live in, help rebuild habitats for endangered wildlife, and protect the precious balance of drinking water supplies. Attending one of our Winter Community Planting Days is a wonderful way to spend a day outdoors, and to play your part in taking real action to combat the impact of climate change,” said Julian.
Our next Community Planting Day takes place on Saturday 20 July at Reg Bond Reserve in Viveash. The event is fully booked but you can join the waitlist here.
Thanks to 9News Perth for covering the event.