Greater Dandenong school children are taking the lead in protecting the environment and building biodiversity through the One Tree Per Child program.
Across June and July, Grade 3 students from six local primary schools will join Council’s Conservation Team to carry out a series of plantings and help revegetate the Dandenong Wetlands.
The sessions include a traditional Welcome to Country, a guided exploration of surrounding bushland and a ranger-led planting of indigenous species. Each student is encouraged to build a connection with the land they live on and will be provided a small tree to take home and plant in their own garden.
Greater Dandenong Mayor, Councillor Sophie Tan said each tree planted would help increase our city’s canopy.
“Greater Dandenong has one of the lowest tree canopies in metropolitan Melbourne, and the One Tree Per Child program is just one way we are committed to improving the canopy and biodiversity in our city,” Mayor Tan said.
“In 2016 the canopy covered only 9.9% of our city, but sustained efforts have increased it to 14.6%. Tree planting initiatives will help us reach our goal of 15% by 2028.”
Climate change is a real issue for the residents of Greater Dandenong.
“It is shaping our lives, our health, our finances and the places we call home. We are working to take real action and increasing our tree canopy, which helps keep our streets, suburbs and houses cool, is an important step,” Mayor Tan said.
The One Tree Per Child program operates across the globe and was established by the co-founders of National Tree Day (John Dee and Olivia Newton John). The program aims to have every child plant at least one tree before leaving school.
Visit greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/one-tree-per-child for more information.