On a sunny Saturday 5th October 2024, Greater Sydney Landcare hosted a successful Creating Canopies planting event at Eastlake Golf Club in Pagewood, within the Bayside Local Government Area.
The event, part of a larger initiative to increase canopy cover in Greater Sydney and reduce urban heat, saw volunteers from all walks of life join forces to plant 1,700 native trees and shrubs at the scenic course.
The planting site was set along the 4th hole, right on the clubβs boundary. Not only will these trees provide much-needed shade and help cool the area in years to come, but they may also serve as a subtle nudge to golfers to keep their balls out of nearby backyards!
An enthusiastic group of 22 volunteers turned out to plant native Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub species, which are well-suited to the local environment. These trees and shrubs will grow to provide valuable canopy cover over time.
The site had been well-prepared in advance: the holes were pre-dug, mulch laid down to suppress weeds and retain water, and habitat logs strategically placed to foster new wildlife habitats. With the sun shining and a (sometimes very strong) breeze keeping everyone cool, the volunteers worked steadily to the backdrop of birdsong and music.
Leading the day’s efforts were the Creating Canopies team, including Natural Resources Manager Bryce Doyle, Bush Regenerator Supervisor Aimee Hancock, and Communications & Engagement Officer Melanie Wagner. Eastlake Golf Clubβs General Manager Robert Blain and Course Superintendent Simon Blagg were integral to the planting, with Simonβs young family lending a much appreciated hand as well.
What made the day even more special was the diversity of people who came together for this cause. From horticulturalists and colleagues from Rabobank to university students on semester break, families with little ones, couples, and individuals flying solo from all over Sydneyβeveryone brought energy and enthusiasm to the task at hand. It was also great to welcome back many volunteers whoβd planted with us before.
Much exercise and fresh air was enjoyed throughout the day planting, staking and watering on this beautiful green hilltop with views across the course and its waterbodies. Amazing effort everyone in getting all the plants in.
After the planting was completed and the team was tidying up the site, a neighbour came down and praised the planting efforts, grateful to see more native trees being added to the area.
A huge thank you to Eastlake Golf Club and all the fantastic volunteers who gave their time and energy. By working together, weβre creating a greener, cooler, and more resilient future for Sydney.
Volunteer for Bushcare in Bayside
If youβd like to contribute to environmental efforts in the Bayside LGA, you can become a Bushcare volunteer and regenerate bushland. No experience is necessary as training is provided.
Corporate Volunteering with Greater Sydney Landcare
Find out more about Corporate Volunteering with Greater Sydney Landcare here. Be sure to download our Corporate Volunteering Info Pack.
Get Involved in Creating Canopies
If youβd like to find out how to get free trees planted on your land, visit our Register Your Site for Trees page.
Come along and plant trees with Creating Canopies. Find out what events we have coming up on Greater Sydney Landcareβs Eventbrite page.
About Creating Canopies
Landcare NSW and Greater Sydney Landcare are planting 200,000 trees as part of the Greening our City program to help reduce urban heat in Greater Sydney. Proudly funded by the NSW Government.
