Bathurst Regional Council’s environmental programs coordinator Stevie Armstrong said the aim of this national event is to create habitats for native creatures, prevent erosion of the river bank and to beautify outdoor spaces.

Members of the community are invited to attended a public planting in the Rankens Bridge Park at Eglinton on National Tree Day, Saturday, July 30.

The plants that will be used are all native riparian varieties that will do well by the Macquarie River.

“We’ve got 200 trees and shrubs and 300 native grasses, and we’ve got lots of mulch to put around existing plants,” Ms Armstrong said. 

“[People]  can plant trees, water trees, mulch – whatever they want really.”

The National Tree Day community planting event in Bathurst is a joint effort between Planet Ark and council.

It occurs annually and is usually well attended.

“Last year it was 30 people, so that was a great turnout that we hope to replicate,” Ms Armstrong said.

Anyone who would like to participate in the community planting can come along any time from 9am to 1pm on Saturday.

Outdoor clothing and covered shoes must be worn, while wearing gloves is encouraged.

Regular tree planting and maintenance days are held in local parks and reserves in addition to National Tree Day.

For more information, visit www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au/treeplanting or call community engagement officer Bill Josh on 0407 256 791.