FEATURE STORY
WORDS Erica Visser
TEN THOUSAND TREES TO GREEN LITTLE PARA From little things, big things grow. That’s the vision for 10,000 native trees and plants that are being planted along the Little Para River. The ambitious project is being carried out by Council in partnership with the State Government via the Open Space and Places for People Grant Program. It aims to improve the natural open space and vegetation along the river, as well as increase the canopy cover and understory within the Salisbury region to enhance and conserve natural habitats. Salisbury resident Rhonda Whyatt, who regularly rides her pushbike along the river, said she looked forward to seeing the area greened up and potentially getting involved in an upcoming community planting day. “I’m all for trees being planted anywhere as I think it does a lot for health and wellbeing, makes the pathways shady and just generally improves the surrounding environment,” Rhonda said. “I’m an avid bird watcher and it’s just beautiful to see how the trees bring in the wildlife.” In recent months, a number of free public workshops were held at Provenance Indigenous Plants, Salisbury Park, to prepare the seedlings that will later be settling in their new homes along the Little Para. Provenance Indigenous Plants’ Peter Hemmings said it was great to see a strong public interest in the project. “Interest in native species is growing bigger and bigger and people have really enjoyed
Peter Hemmings of Provenance Indigenous Plants is looking forward to seeing the establishment of 10,000 trees along the Little Para River.
the opportunity to do something that is giving back to the local environment,” Peter said. “When you are involved in planting a tree that will be there for hundreds of years, you feel like you’re leaving a legacy.” Creating a sustainable city is a priority for Council, and this project is aimed at boosting urban greening which in turn contributes towards climate change resilience.
It will also improve the attractiveness of the Little Para River trail to the community for use as an alternate transport route.
If you would like to join in on upcoming planting days, please visit: www.salisbury.sa.gov.au /10000trees
www.salisbury.sa.gov.au | SALISBURY AWARE | AUTUMN 2021 | 21
