THE community planting day at the Tatyoon Recreation Reserve was a huge success with 40 people helping out, either planting trees or preparing lunch for the workers.
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Around 890 native trees and shrubs were planted in record time to the west of the reserve. These trees will provide shelter for the oval and tennis courts when the old pine trees are removed.
The planting day was registered with Planet Ark for National Tree Day.
"We are delighted with how well this project has come together with wonderful support from so many people and businesses in the local community," facilitator with Upper Hopkins Land Management Group Una Allender said.
The Recreation Reserve committee combined with the Upper Hopkins Group to source funds and advice. Most of the trees were funded with a Community Grant of $1000 from the Willaura/Lake Bolac branch of the Bendigo Bank, with branch manager, Trevor Link, on hand to present the cheque.
GJ Gardner Homes of Ararat contributed an additional 390 trees as a voluntary carbon offset brokered by Colleen Fillipa of 15 Trees while Manna Gums Nursery provided the trees as well as helping out with the planting.
Several local community members turned up on the day and were joined by 18 students from Maroona Primary School along with principal Peter Waterman and staff members.
The trees were planted on land generously donated by Doug Laidlaw adjacent to the reserve.
The project is also supported by Gorst Rural and Tatyoon Rural who have arranged for a Waratah fencing demonstration later in the year with highly regarded fencing instructor Neville Prince. Neville will run a workshop which will result in a protective fence around the trees, and an opportunity for famers to catch up on the latest in fencing techniques and materials.