The sun finally made an appearance as local nature lovers gathered to take part in Planet Ark’s National Tree Day at the Belmont Wetlands State Park.
The annual event, which originated in 1996, is Australia’s largest community tree planting and nature care event.
While about 300,000 people participate nationally, a hardy group of “green thumbs” dug deep to beautify the popular Lake Macquarie attraction at the weekend.
The occasion also gave residents an opportunity to engage in, and tend to, their local environment while educating younger generations about the world around them.
For the second consecutive year, Belmont Wetlands State Park was the perfect backdrop for the initiative, with about 500 trees, native to the area, planted on-site during the day.
Families joined forces with budding horticulturalists, all eager to get their hands dirty, and were rewarded with a BBQ lunch.
There, they could sit back, relax and admire their efforts among the picturesque setting of the wetlands.
Local mum Alara Nolan recounted to park staff how her small children insisted on returning the day after to see how much “their” tree had grown.
Of course, they felt it had done so, substantially, showing their mother a distance of about 10cm between their tiny hands.
While National Tree Day is an important event on the calendar for the community to be involved, there are many chances throughout the year to assist in environment restoration and preservation at Belmont Wetlands State Park.
You can do this by joining the Friends of Belmont Wetlands State Park Group.
The organisation meets every Tuesday morning to undertake regeneration, weeding, surveys, planting out and other activities.
It’s a terrific way to protect Australian animals, birds and native plants and ensure this special local natural wonderland can be enjoyed now and in the future.
Visit www.belmontwetlands.com.au/get-involved to find out more.
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