The team has done a beautiful job reconnecting pockets of bushland all across the park, and increasing the amount of buffer vegetation to protect precious wetland habitats. Through hard work, they're protecting and strengthening biodiversity around the park.

"National Tree Day gave us the opportunity to engage a wider range of the community with planting and rehabilitating the former paddock areas of the park," said Sarah Stevenson, Marketing and Community Engagement Officer.

Plantings have been designed to develop and improve the same site for multiple years, so returning volunteers can watch their seedlings grow. From 2021 to 2023, that meant building a possum habitat site as part of their National Tree Day events. Now, they're focused on improving the Horse Swamp buffer zone.

Last year, the team was unable to hold their usual National Tree Day event due to severe thunderstorms. Still, volunteers found a way to plant 1,600 plants on their own time. This goes to show that every day is Tree Day.

"I love the opportunity to connect with our community and get them on board with loving this uniquely beautiful bushland we have here in Perth," Sarah said.

Whiteman Park is just one of hundreds of sites getting their hands dirty for National Tree Day this 26 July, marking 30 years of communities coming together to plant, restore and reconnect with the land around them.

Wherever you are, there's likely a planting day happening near you. Find a site near you and dig in or if your local green space isn't registered yet, you can start your own. Visit National Tree Day to learn more.

Story credits to Martha Kolpien.