
National Tree Day, Australia’s largest community tree planting and nature protection event, was held in Parkes on Sunday. Margot Jolly and Marg Applebee volunteered on the day.
Forty volunteers turned up on Sunday for National Tree Day to plant 320 trees and shrubs at Akuna Road.
The planting site will provide important Fuzzy Box Woodland habitat and further connectivity on the site that is part of a larger Parkes Shire Council project to utilise the retired water treatment ponds.
The wind and rain held off for the tree planting event, while volunteers abided by COVID-19 guidelines to ensure the event could go ahead.
“It was wonderful to have so many volunteers of all age groups,” said Marg Applebee of Central West Lachlan Landcare. “There was definitely a feeling of positivity in the air amongst volunteers which made for an enjoyable day.”
Parkes Mayor Ken Keith and Cr Louise O’Leary also joined the planting effort. “National Tree Day provides a fantastic opportunity for Parkes Shire residents to make a personal difference through positive, on-ground environmental action,” said the Mayor.
“It was wonderful to see so many volunteers show up, and their efforts to plant over 320 native trees and shrubs was greatly appreciated by Council.”
“It was a great day,” said volunteer Geoff Anderson, who came with his grandchildren.
“Central West Lachlan Landcare appreciates being able to work in partnership with Parkes Shire Council Staff to deliver the event,” said Marg.

Seth McGrath and Geoff Anderson are hard at work.