• Charles Sturt University partners with council and primary school for Tree Day events in Wagga Wagga

Charles Sturt University continues to honour its commitment to allocating 20 per cent of University land to biodiversity enhancement this National Tree Day.

The University will participate in events in Wagga Wagga for Schools Tree Day on Friday 28 July and National Tree Day on Sunday 30 July.

Charles Sturt Sustainability Manager Mr Ed Maher said research led by Charles Sturt has demonstrated that vegetation diversity in areas such as tree corridors and road reserves can provide agricultural benefits by stimulating beneficial insect numbers that predate pest species.

“Active regeneration of previously cleared land is one way that we can improve the biodiversity of our landscape by increasing its value as habitat to native species,” he said.

In the past decade, Charles Sturt has planted more than 25,000 native seedlings and has used the campus and farm to connect native vegetation at a local landscape level, creating improved habitat, food sources and movement for native species.

“Charles Sturt has a commitment to engage with our regional communities and work collaboratively to tackle sustainability challenges which impact us all,” Mr Maher said.

Charles Sturt has partnered with Estella Public School, where 330 students will plant 560 native seedlings in a newly formed biodiversity corridor bordering the University and primary school.

Mr Maher said involving primary students is a way to increase awareness and appreciation towards biodiversity among the younger generation, who will be able to observe the progress from their playground.

The University has also partnered with Wagga Wagga City Council for National Tree Day on Sunday 30 July from 10am to 12pm.

The aim is to plant 1,000 native seedlings in a new biodiversity corridor at the Charles Sturt University Farm. Site access is available off Cambourne Lane.

Pre-registration via Humanitix is encouraged. The event welcomes community participation and a sausage sizzle will be available for volunteers.

Charles Sturt has partnered with Wagga Wagga City Council, who is participating as part of its One Tree For Me campaign and Biodiversity Strategy: Maldhangilanha 2020-2030.