Margot, Emily, Theo, Hazel and Everly Spence at the Tree Planting Day. Photo by Marianne Ryan.
The Berrigan Tank Paddock is looking greener, with more than 2100 native plants now in the ground thanks to the efforts of local students, families and volunteers.
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The project began on Friday, when Berrigan Public School students joined RGA Landcare coordinator Andrea Mitchell for the first stage.
A group of 25 - including 18 students - planted about 300 natives in just 1.5 hours, fuelled by donuts and enthusiasm.
Augered holes helped speed up the process, with Ms Mitchell noting “they didn’t walk to do their jobs, they ran”.
Teacher Caroline Bett said the day was about more than just planting trees.
“It was a wonderful opportunity for students to work together,” she said.
“It was also fantastic that they were doing it in their local community, so they really feel like they are putting back into where they are and where they live.”
Volunteer Jick Sloane, from the Berrigan Conservation Group and Tidy Towns Committee, praised the student efforts, describing them as “willing little workers”.
Sunday’s community session saw more than 40 people - from young families to the older generations - brave a foggy morning to plant another 1800 shrubs and grasses.
Morning tea and lunch were provided, and Ms Mitchell said the volunteers “worked like troopers”.
The planting marks the completion of a project supported by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal, Murray Irrigation, and the Better in Berrigan initiative.
Mitchell said the area is already popular with walkers and families, and the new plantings will make it even more inviting.
“It will be beautiful once it’s all grown,” she said.
“It’s a real testament to the Berrigan community.”
Eighteen students from Berrigan Public School assisted with planting on Friday.
Berrigan Public School students tried to avoid the rain as they left.
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