Preparation for National Tree Day planting sites in the North Sydney Council area usually starts six or more months ahead of time. They treat weeds, terrace planting areas and mulch to nurture an ideal planting site that will give seedlings the best shot at survival once planted.

In recent years, the events have attracted 80 to 90 volunteers from the area, most of whom are young families or groups like the Scouts. It’s often the first environmental volunteer experience for many local children, and their first chance to take part in planting a tree.

Typically, National Tree Day plantings in North Sydney are set on the margins of reserves, to build buffers against environmental pressures, such as urban heat, and expand wildlife habitat.  

In other years, plantings have been held in parks to help create connectivity between habitats via wildlife corridors. Bushcare coordinator Gareth Debney says, “We’ve seen fauna moving into areas they haven’t usually been, including swamp wallabies and long-nosed bandicoots.”

Seedlings from the Bushcare community nursery are planted to balance with existing vegetation and allow local wildlife to thrive. Each level of vegetation – or ‘stratum’ ­– is considered, including canopy, mid-story, and groundcovers.

On National Tree Day, the Bushland team are joined by volunteers and North Sydney Council staff to make the planting a success by handing out tools, giving planting demonstrations, staffing the registration desk, and cooking up a storm on the barbie to feed the community after getting their hands dirty planting seedlings.

Each year, National Tree Day works with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, who create resources to green urban areas, reduce urban heat and build more resilient communities, just like the North Sydney Bushland team does in their council.

If you’d like to dig in this National Tree Day join a site near you or plant at home.