Tree preservation program launched

Tree lovers Jeannette Martin and Linda Meades have taken their passion to another level and are helping to create the Byron Shire Significant Tree Register – an interactive platform based on community nominations of their favourite trees in the region.

The Significant Trees project envisages a community that values trees, the environment, and local history.

The nomination criteria for the register has been centred around the National Trust Significant Tree Criteria, with categories of horticultural, aesthetic, historical, environmental, social or cultural values.

All nominations are professionally verified to complete inclusion into the register, the pair say.

Linda Meades says the tree register is a great way to raise the awareness.

‘It’s important to love our trees – really love them and cherish them, because they are so important to our whole way of life. Really, we need trees. I would like to see people really recognise the beauty of the trees around us.

Linda says that people walk around, they admire a tree, or they think ‘that’s really beautiful’.

‘But to really look at the trees, really value them and really take notice of what’s around you in your environment – it could be the tree just outside your house or any tree in the neighbourhood – it’s very special to recognise that.’

Mullum SEED is hoping to expand the register. Once it’s established with sufficient nominations, the Significant Trees in Byron Shire team will expand the project to create the Byron Shire Significant Tree Trail for active participation sharing information about the featured trees with interpretive signage and a phone app.

Sunday picnic

To celebrate trees and to grow awareness of the register, there will be a picnic in the park this Sunday 3– 5pm by the river under the fig trees in Heritage Park at the end of Dalley Street, Mullumbimby.

It will feature The Biggest Little Town Choir, led by Peter Lehner.

Bring a rug, snacks, drinks, mozzy repellent and most importantly, a photo of your favourite tree for the Byron Shire Significant Tree Register. For more information, contact Linda on 0409 172 153, visit www.mullumseed.org.au/significanttrees, or find them on Facebook.