Ecologist professor David Watson will be presenting to volunteers at this weekend’s tree planting event, offering valuable insight into farming and ecology management.
Corowa District Landcare will celebrate National Tree Day on Sunday by planting more than 200 trees at Bruce Richardson Park in Balldale and sharing vital environmental information with community members.
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National Tree Day is Australia’s largest community tree-planting initiative; since its inception in 1996, it has inspired millions of Australians to contribute to a greener future.
Each year, Landcare shares important information and discusses pertinent topics to the local ecology with community members while participating in the tree-planting event.
Last year’s event along the Corowa foreshore track by the Murray River saw about 300 trees planted, and in 2024 volunteers planted nearly 1,000 seedlings at Memorial Park in Howlong.
Corowa District Landcare coordinator Claire Birch said the event was an important part of preserving the local environment, and this year ecologist Professor David Watson will present the program to volunteers.
“Professor Watson is very well respected in his field,” Ms Birch said.
“Landcare groups around the country have guest speakers at their tree planting events each year; this is the first time we’ve had such a high-profile ecologist come to Corowa to present for us.
“He’ll be talking to the volunteers about new ways of thinking about how productive farming and environmental management needs to coexist to preserve our ecology.”
Volunteer groups over the past two years have planted over 1,000 seedlings at Corowa and Howlong, with this year’s event to be held at Balldale.
Funded in part by Federation Council’s 2025/2026 Community Grants Program, the day highlighted a shared local commitment to environmental sustainability and community collaboration.
This year Professor Watson, who leads the Environmental Program at the Gulbali Institute, will share insights on the critical role farmland plays in supporting local wildlife and other important topics surrounding farming and the local ecology.
Attendance is free, and a complimentary lunch will be provided to volunteers, with RSVPs strictly required for catering purposes.
Give it a go
Date: Sunday, July 26
Time: 10am to 2pm
Where: Bruce Richardson Park, Railway Rd, Balldale
RSVP: To register for the event, visit: https://nationaltreeday.org.au/site/10032005 or phone 0417 858 533
