Community Tree Planting Day

East point reserve is the next location to get a spruce up with a community tree-planting day more than 12 months after the devastating impact of Cyclone Marcus.

Co-ordinator Jamie Lewis encourages everyone to come and help replant native plants to help the reserve flourish.

“We will be planting a range of local native monsoon vine forest species to try and replicate the existing forest as much as possible,” he says.

“Replicating the native forest means we will be providing suitable habitat for a whole range of creatures that call East Point home. We will also be planting a few species that the threatened Atlas Moth feeds and lays eggs on to help facilitate the return of this unique species to East Point Reserve.”

More than 2000 trees and shrubs are to be planted as part of the City of Darwin’s replanting program to establish resilient urban forest.

“An urban forest has a range of functions including cooling, creating a sense of place, providing habitat, storm water and climate change mitigation and encouraging people to spend more time outdoors,” Lewis says.

“Trees and shrubs have specific environmental requirements, and when considering which species to plant, each site must be matched to a plant that will do well in that location. It’s all about finding the right tree for the location.”

The whole family is invited to get down and lend a hand.

“It’s a great opportunity to learn about our local plants from Council's expert staff and a good opportunity to come and contribute to building a forest that will hopefully be there for generations,” Lewis says.

“There will be a free BBQ and cold drinks and we hope it will be a great day for families to get outdoors.”

Community Tree Planting Day Sun 12 May | 8am-12pm | East Point Reserve | darwin.nt.gov.au