Lynne Mowbray |

The Schools National Tree Day planting was held on Friday July 26 and students from the Lawrence Public School rolled up their sleeves and got involved.

The Lawrence Community Landcare group joined forces with students from the school to plant 130 trees to help provide food and habitat for koalas, at the Lawrence Cricket grounds.

Lawrence Community Landcare have been working in the remnant vegetation area of the cricket grounds since its inception two and a half years ago, clearing declared weeds that had infested the area and replanting local native species in their place. During their time working on site koala sightings have increased, with this year sightings occurring nearly every visit.

The focus of this year’s planting was to extend this vegetation patch adding onto the planting which took place during last year’s National Tree Day. The group carried out the planting to increase food trees, habitat and wildlife corridors for the wildlife, especially the koala.

Local native trees were donated by Maclean Community Nursery in Townsend and Minnie Water Community Nursery which included some of the Koalas favourite food trees Eucalyptus tereticornis – Forest Red Gum, E. robusta – Swamp mahogany, and E. microcorys – Tallowwood.

A spokesperson for the group Jasmine Oakes, said that they were thankful for the fun and interactive presentations by Caragh Heenan (CVC NRM project officer) on the Councils Koala register, on the benefits of planting eucalypts for koala food trees,” Jasmine said.

“Debbie Repschlager from Clarence Landcare also showed the students how to ID cane toads, discussed the impacts they are having on our wildlife, and what to do if they find a cane toad.

“Libby Cotter from Maclean Landcare also gave a demonstration on how to correctly plant a tree using water crystals, weed matting, and mulch.

“The day was once again a huge success due to the ongoing support by Clarence Valley Council (CVC) Natural Resource Management (NRM) Department, Clarence Landcare, the volunteers from Maclean Landcare, Lawrence Community Landcare and the students from Lawrence Public School,” she said.

If you would like to help our local environment and its wildlife by being involved in a local Landcare group go to www.clarencelandcare.com.au to find a local Landcare group near you.