One thousand native trees are being planted at 27 primary and secondary schools across Melbourne’s west for National Schools Tree Day today on July 28.
The western region has the lowest tree canopy cover of any area in Melbourne, in part because of urban development, which creates hotter, less pleasant spaces for people and animals.
To address this issue Greater Western Water (GWW) has teamed up with Greening the West to create more green spaces in schools.
For National Schools Trees Day, partner organisations Eco Dynamics and Arbor Green donated 1000 tube stock trees, stakes, biodegradable tree guards, planting guides and gardening products.
GWW has been distributing the trees through an expressions of interest process open to every primary and secondary school in its service region.
GWW General Manager Strategy and Partnerships Kessia Thomson said students from local schools from Woodend to Werribee were now rolling up their sleeves to help their communities.
“Trees improve the air we breathe, keep our city cool and enhance our wellbeing. Green spaces bring local communities together and create healthier spaces to live, work and play,” she said.
“We’re proud to be a part of this collaboration. Giving children the opportunity to plant native trees is an important part of our shared commitments to improving local liveability and doubling tree canopy cover in the west.”
GWW has been part of Greening the West for more than a decade.
The partnership brings together partners from across Melbourne’s west, including councils, government agencies, water authorities, industry and community groups, to support projects and activities that increase vegetation and quality green spaces.
