• University and community partner to plant more than 2,000 seedlings at Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga

Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga is calling for community engagement in a collaboration to help the environment and the University’s natural habitat.

More than 2,000 seedlings will be planted for National Tree Day in Wagga Wagga on Saturday 7 August to further the University’s commitment to sustainability and create a biodiversity corridor at the University’s farm.

The planting will include 2,000 mixed native trees, shrubs and ground covers, including eucalyptus, acacia, Kurrajong and Cypress pine, which were chosen because they are ideal for local conditions and provide suitable habitat and food for native species of animals.

The University has partnered with community groups for the event, including the Wagga Wagga Punjabi community, which became involved in 2019 as a commemoration of 550 years since the birth of their first Guru – Guru Nanak Dev.

St Martins College, another community partner, recognises the importance of caring for creation and supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to end poverty, protect the planet and pursue the common good.

Sustainability at Charles Sturt Manager Mr Ed Maher said this year’s planting will take place at the University’s Farm on Becks Lane, chosen for its proximity to existing remnant vegetation and previous revegetation sites, whose value will be increased with the new seedlings.

He said this project was ideal to bring together the University and broader community to help the environment.

“We are sending out a call to action,” he said.

“Two thousand plants is a big number and many hands make for light work.”

“Our tree planting events are one of our premier annual events for attracting student and wider community participation in an activity that provides a positive environmental outcome.”

The Wagga Wagga event will take place on Saturday 7 August at the Charles Sturt University Farm on Becks Lane at 9.30 am.

Those wanting to participate can register by contacting sustainability@csu.edu.au. Please note that pre-registration is essential.

National Tree Day is on Sunday 1 August, with the school events to be held on Friday 30 July. To find out about other community events, visit the National Tree Day website.