Angus and Celeste are long time supporters of our tree planting projects. Since 2012, they have been helping us plant native trees. And to date, their tally stands at well over 4,000 trees!

As well as making informed decisions about who they work with and how their products are produced, Angus & Celeste regularly reduce their carbon emissions through tree plantings. They take a broader view of the plantings than just reducing their carbon though. They see the degradation of biodiversity as one of the greatest threats to the planet. By contributing to smaller, targeted plantings they know they are helping enrich both the environment and local biodiversity through the creation of flora and fauna corridors. Located in the hills of Victoria, Angus and Celeste purchase 100 trees every quarter for our community tree planting projects.

This year, we planted 400 native trees at two Victorian sites; Edwardes Lake and Pyalong for this creative duo.

Site A | Edwardes Lake, VIC | 200 trees

Two hundred (200) trees, shrubs and grasses were planted at Edwardes Lake and Edgars Creek Wetlands located in Reservoir, Victoria. Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country. The area is classed as Grassy Woodlands. The aim of the Friends of Edwardes Lake planting group is to restore vegetation and protect the existing remnant areas of vegetation.

This waterway is a tributary of the Merri Creek which in turn, is a tributary of the Yarra River. It is a precious system that provides much needed habitat to countless species. This waterway also allows people in the local area to connect with nature.

The project was undertaken by Friends of Lake Edwardes.

The species selected for the site (including, Banksia, Cassinia, Saltbush, Tea-Tree and Tussock-Grass) will support the local biodiversity that calls the local waterway home. The Saltbushes will provide food for lizards and birds. The Tussock-Grass will provide cover for ground dwelling species and nesting material for birds. The Cassinia will provide a food source for insects in turn creating food for small insect-eating birds.

Edwardes Lake and Edgars Creek is home to Ringtail and Brushtail Possums, Microbats, Grey headed Flying Foxes, Cormorants, Grebes, Swans, Swamphens, Herons, Coots, Lorikeets, Frogmouths, Thornbills, Wagtails, Honeyeaters and many species of insects and reptiles.

We would like to thank those who contributed to this project. You have allowed us to plant local species in our community to support wildlife and allow people to connect with nature. The legacy of your contribution will go on to support biodiversity and care for country for generations.

Kate Jost | President | Friends of Edwardes Lake

Site B | Pyalong Creek, VIC | 200 trees

Nulla Vale Landcare has engaged in a program of regenerating an island in Mollison Creek, Pyalong. The island had become overgrown with blackberries, gorse and thistles to the extent that it was inaccessible. Having removed the weeds, including blackberries up to two metres high, the group embarked on a native revegetation program in order to restore the island back to its native condition. Ongoing weeding will be undertaken until the native vegetation has reached a mature state that will naturally reduce and control the weed invasion.

We would like to thank Fifteen Trees and their supporters for contributing to our effort to begin the process of healing this spectacular piece of land. The trees provided will help to protect the few old trees that remain. These trees are better preserved if they have an ecology of smaller supportive trees and bushes around them, along with some young replacement trees that will one day grow to a similar scale. A rich and diverse ecology around these old trees, helps bring back the wildlife and the insects that provide a far more protective environment.

We thank you for your interest and generosity.

James Legge | President | NV&PWLC

The creek and island is inhabited by a range of water birds including Ducks, Blue Cranes and water fowl. Many species of birds in Central Victoria inhabit the area such as Cockatoos, Crimson Rosellas, Corellas and Wrens.