Pullen Pullen Catchments Group (PPCG) celebrated National Tree Day 2022 (Sunday 31 July) with a planting event in Anstead Bushland Reserve, attracting over 70 participants. On completion of the morning’s activities, 500 native trees, shrubs and grasses had been planted in the area around the Quarry Lookout in the Reserve.
The event was part of PPCG’s plans for the extension of native bushland and canopy cover in high visibility areas of the Reserve. It was made possible with assistance from Brisbane City Council, the Lord Mayor’s Community Fund and plants received from Moggill Creek Catchment Group Nursery, local propagator Chris de Jong and Healthy Land & Water’s Winter Plants for Wildlife project (funded by the Australian Government).
Cr Adermann (Pullenvale Ward) attended the event, commending the catchment group for organising it and thanking the many volunteers who turned out to plant a tree. “The Schrinner Council is committed to a cleaner, greener Brisbane and community tree plantings such as this contribute to achieving 40% shade cover for the city by 2030 which in turn enhances the lifestyle of our residents,” he told attendees.
Cr Adermann joined in the tree planting and said he looked forward to checking the progress of his hoop pine during future visits to the Anstead Reserve. The hoop pine is an iconic tree of the Brisbane area and once formed large forests in the western regions of Brisbane. It grows to around 40-50m with a symmetrical shape and is resilient to drought, floods and fire.
As well as planting activities for all ages, the morning included a wildlife presentation from Wild Call and a display of innovative nesting boxes for Australian fauna from Hollow Log Homes. Artist Dr Farvardin Daliri’s giant kookaburra, cockatoo and platypus were also on display for the enjoyment of all.
Participants also appreciated the free refreshments on offer and the free native plants available for taking home. A great time was had by all who contributed to this enhancement of the environment in Anstead Bushland Reserve.
PPCG will be monitoring the progress of the new plants over coming months, with a regime of watering and weeding that will be undertaken by its bushcare group, Friends of Anstead Bushland.