Established in 1978 CAVAL is a not-for-profit, member-driven library services consortium based in Melbourne. At CAVAL they aim to facilitate and enhance library services within Australia through strategies for active client engagement and sophisticated services and solutions. CAVAL develops and delivers ‘best of breed library and information solutions’ for stakeholders and support growth and innovation in the library and education communities.

This year, the trees are planted as a thank you to: Morgan Burgess, Ryan Stoker, XiaXia Zhang, Craig Patterson, Adele Walsh, David Groenewegen, Fiona Salisbury, Jeffery Cruz, Anita Dewi, Ramona Naicker, Mel Kidman, Jane Garner, Carl Buttler, Ennis Chen, Sarah Sherman, Paula Muraca, Liam (Leigh) Frost-Camilleri, Amanda White, Lisa Cianci, Karl Ervine, Cait Burgoyne, Dominique Coorey, Aimee Clague, Ellen O’Hehir, Kathomi Gatwiri, Lisa M. Given, Chew Chiat Naun, Seymur Rasulov, Anton Proppe, Craig Quirke, Meg Weller, Michelle Rusiniak, Gemma Steele, Giuliana Tarascio, Lorraine Heller-Nicholas, Jamie McDonald, Jackson Mann, Brooke Farrugia, Tenzin Fox, Rachel Neumann, Jay Glaisyer, Tamma Sorbello, Linda Whitby, Clare Thorpe, Danny Kingsley and Suzana Sukovic.

CAVAL annually support our community tree planting projects by purchasing trees from Fifteen Trees to distribute to community groups to plant.

Site 1 | Westgate Park, VIC | 60 trees

This year, we planted 60 trees on CAVAL’s behalf right in the middle of Melbourne at Westgate Reserve, VIC. Naarm Country.

Westgate Biodiversity includes Bili Nursery & Landcare Inc. and is a community-based not-for-profit organisation based at the foot of one of Melbourne’s most iconic and main transport arterials from the West to the city, Westgate Bridge.

This community-based not-for-profit organisation not only grow and sell locally indigenous plants, but work passionately in transforming Westgate Park into a natural, bush-like place for people to enjoy, and habitat for amazing biodiversity.

A variety of native species of trees and shrubs were planted at the site. Species such as; Acacias (Heath Wattle, Golden Prickly Wattle, Silver Wattle, Lightwood, Coastal Wattle, Black Wattle and Blackwood), Sheoakes (Black, Swamp, Green and Drooping), Saltbushes (Grey and Marsh), Banksias (Coastal and Silver), Correas (White, Smooth and Common), Eucalyptus (Red River Gum, Yellow Gum, Melbourne White Ironbark, Yellow Box, Swamp Gum, Snow Gum, Narrow-leaf Peppermint and Manna Gum), Grevilla (Anglesea and Rosemary), Hakea (Silky, Yellow and Furze), Heath (Pink, Coast and Common Beard) Melaleuca (Swamp Paperbark, Moonah and Scented Paperbark), and Bush-pea (Large, Clustered, Rough and Slender).

More variety in plants being planted corresponds to a great variety of food sources for our unique native wildlife, as all these species will flower and fruit at different times throughout the year.

Site 2 | Mt Mercer, VIC | 60 trees

The trees were planted by the Banks family along with the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority at Mt Mercer. Wadawurrung Country. They were a mixture of Blackwoods, Gumtrees, Wattles, Sheoaks and River Red Gums. Over time, these trees will provide valuable vegetation for the native animals living in the area, improving habitats and promoting biodiversity.

The area is home to wildlife such as Echidnas, Parrots, Kangaroos, Wallabies, Magpies, Kookaburras and the iconic Black Cockatoos.

I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the Fifteen Trees initiative. The planting of these trees will be cherished by our family. We are proud to have created new habitats for the native animals in our area. From all of us, thank you for everything.

Denis Banks | Member | Corangamite Catchment Management Authority

Thank you CAVAL for the additional funding for tree guards. These guards help protect the new seedlings and gives them protection from grazers, in particular rabbits and kangaroos. Inside the plastic sleeves, the microclimate created protects the seedlings from harsh UV, drifting sand, frost, and wind. Once the seedlings survive their first summer and get the opportunity to develop a strong taproot, their chances of survival skyrockets.

If you would like to know more about sponsoring community tree planting projects and how we can assist you in becoming a more sustainable business, please contact Colleen at <[email protected]>.

Writer: Colleen B. Filippa

With a background in Environmental Science (Melbourne University), Colleen is the Founding Director of Fifteen Trees. In 2009, after 20 years in primary, secondary and tertiary education institutions, Colleen left the classroom to start the company. Fifteen Trees is a social enterprise assisting individuals and companies to reduce their carbon footprint by supporting community groups such as Landcare, schools and environmental networks.