Sleeves were rolled up, gloves were donned, and there were smiles all round as local students took to the school grounds for a National Tree Day planting this week.
The City helped organise planting events at Jolimont and Subiaco primary schools this year to get the kids planting natives and doing some on-the-job learning.
They learnt why natives are so important, with City staff supplying plants that are endemic to the region focussing on species that have extensive Aboriginal history and usage.
Last year’s planting worked to establish a robust future upper canopy with trees and large growing species so, this year, the students instead focussed on groundcover.
Groundcovers were chosen to supress weeds, act as natural mulch, reduce heat, and limit storm water runoff which is particularly important as we see the increasing effects of climate change.
The students also planted some hardy grassy lower canopy species which are great for bugs and ground dwelling fauna, assist with shading and cooling the ground, and are a favourite of the native blue banded bee.
Thank you to all the local students who got their hands dirty to benefit our local flora and fauna.