Connect with nature this National Tree Day

by LukeAdmin

Central Coast Council will be celebrating National Tree Day with two community events on Sunday 31 July 2022.

National Tree Day is Australia’s largest community tree planting and nature care event.

Central Coast Council’s Acting Director Environment and Planning, David Milliken said Council will be facilitating two planting events at Porters Creek and Umina Beach.

“National Tree Day involves more than planting native trees to rejuvenate the area, it’s also a chance for our community to learn about and get involved in conserving their local environment,” Mr Milliken said.

“These events will provide a space for community connection, education and can help promote the value of our local natural areas.

“The event at Umina Beach will be aimed at revegetating the coastal dunes and at Porters Creek we will be focussed on protecting our largest remaining freshwater wetland.”

Dune vegetation plays an important role in our coastal environments as it reduces the impacts of wind and water erosion, meaning less sand will be blown on to roads and into properties, and less sand lost during high seas and large swells.

By restoring the dunes at Umina Beach, it will also provide habitat and a food source for many local species of small birds and local fauna native to the region. In the long term, established native vegetation helps prevent other unwanted species, such as exotics and environmental weeds like Bitou bush, from thriving in sand dunes.

Porters Creek Wetland plays an important role in the water quality of Tuggerah Lakes by filtering stormwater runoff before it enters the estuary.

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said more than 26 million trees have been planted by Australian volunteers during National Tree Day events since it started in 1996.

“Join in the fun at Umina Beach or Porters Creek, get your hands dirty and support Planet Ark’s goal of getting another million plants in the ground this year,” Mr Hart said.

“By helping plant a tree, not only are you playing a role in revegetating and helping protect our local natural areas, but you’re also providing habitat for native wildlife and making our community a better place to live.”

National Tree Day will be celebrated on the Central Coast on Sunday 31 July at Umina Beach and Porters Creek Wetland from 9am-12pm.

Find out more Council’s National Tree Day event by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/nationaltreeday

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