Greenthumbs showed up in force in Darley to celebrate Grow West’s annual community planting day on Sunday, July 21.
The occasion was marked by the planting of 4000 indigenous species of trees, grasses, flowers, and shrubs along the Telford Park All Abilities Sculpture Trail.
Grow West chair Justin Horne said the day was a fantastic way to invest in the natural environment for future residents.
“It’s a really great opportunity for people of all ages but especially young people. The plants are there for generations so it leaves a legacy for them,” he said.
This is not the first community planting day to take place in Darley.
Mr Horne said it was fulfilling to return and contribute to the sustained revegetation of the area.
“We planted there a few years back so it’s exciting to go back to Moorabool and put some investment into it,” he said.
“Part of our messaging is that the efforts never stop so we go back to these sites to look after them.”
Mr Horne said the investment from agencies, organisations, and locals was essential to the project.
“With support from Moorabool council, Melbourne Water, and Parks Victoria, it enables great outcomes for the community like restoring these significant landscapes.”
“It’s all about relationships and collaboration with community…we can’t do it without them rolling up their sleeves.”
However, the support for the initiative is statewide.
“We usually get 200 volunteers from across Melbourne… it’s not just locals but the broader community looking to do their bit,” Mr Horne said.
“People have strong connections to the national parks in Moorabool.”
Eddie Russell
