Mayfield West is set to undergo a “leafy” transformation, with hundreds of “green thumbs” leading the charge.
Students, local residents and City of Newcastle staff will dig in to help expand the city’s urban forest this week as part of National Tree Day celebrations.
About 100 pupils from Mayfield West Demonstration School are expected to kick off proceedings, during Schools Tree Day on Thursday (28 July), before members of the public participate in a planting event on Sunday 31 July from 9am to 1pm.
The combined efforts will see approximately 6,000 native trees planted at Bull and Tourle Street Reserve.
It also falls into line with council’s Community Urban Forest program, which is designed to increase Newcastle’s canopy cover, mitigate urban heat and extend a pocket of habitat for native fauna.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said connecting with students and residents to plant trees and learn about nature was a special way to mark the national event.
“By involving locals and pupils in the implementation of new urban forest at Bull and Tourle Street Reserve, it has a positive impact on Newcastle and improves our community sense of wellbeing,” she explained.
“City of Newcastle cares for a wonderful array of natural ecosystems including 79 kilometres of creeks, 506 hectares of bushland, 65 wetlands, nine coastal rock platforms, 19 hectares of sand dunes along our 10 beaches, and more than 90,000 street and park trees.
“These natural assets sustain our local biodiversity, keep our city cool, absorb and store carbon, provide food and shelter for native wildlife, and keep our air and water clean, while also making our city a more beautiful and pleasant place to live.
“I encourage everyone to partake in National Tree Day by heading down to Mayfield West on Sunday.”
Council is partnering with the Lions Club of Mayfield Waratah Blind and Vision Impaired Inc to commemorate 75 years of community service by Lions Australia.
The organisation will man a barbecue as part of the event, too.
Gloves, tools and equipment is provided, however residents should bring along a hat and wear appropriate clothing such as covered shoes, long-sleeved shirt and pants.
Register your attendance by visiting https://treeday.planetark.org/
