“It has taken a little longer than planned to get our trees in the ground, due to the unusual wet winter (great for a change). With the good moisture levels in the soil the trees are doing well. Our trees will provide habitat for native birds, which have increased in number and variety over the years.  The trees will also add to (the) outlook of our area which is predominately open farmland.  Thank you for making the trees available – the environment is the winner”.  Geoff. Andre Agterhuis and Paul McCuskey from Integra Ballarat have taken the ‘green plunge’ and carbon offset their fleet of 10 cars. The 150 trees (10 X 15) were planted during October at a number of different locations within the Bald Hill district. Pictured here are a dozen trees (from sixty) that were planted at the Pollard Property. Other trees were planted at the Collard Property near Creswick. Integra are to be commended for their environmental awareness. They understand the importance of supporting our local land-owners in preserving our native heritage. Being unable to plant in September (too wet) planting communities have been busy this month.  Through support from various businesses such as Integra wanting to make a contribution; over 2000 native plants and trees have been planted across Victoria this season.  If you know of anyone either wanting trees to plant next year or wanting to carbon offset their vehicle please direct them towards the ‘Fifteen Trees’ website. Cheers – Colleen