In the middle of winter this year, a small army of volunteers planted more than 5000 trees at a site near Donald between Lake Boke and Lake Gil Gil. In amongst these trees were 60 very special ones! For these 60 trees represent funeral services that have taken place over the year at Kell Funerals. Jenny Bibby and John Kell from Kell Funerals (St Arnaud & Donald, Victoria) have once again supported tree planting projects by sponsoring the planting of 60 trees in the local area.  

Kell Funerals plant trees on the behalf of those who are entrusted into their care.

  This year, the trees were planted by approximately 30 students and teachers from St Arnaud Secondary College as part of the school’s Enviroweek program.  

  The massive plant-out was organized by the Buloke and Northern Grampians Landcare Network in partnership with Fredrick Harold Socks and the Esoteric Music Festival. These are local start ups who are making a big impact not only on the local community but their respective industries world wide.  

The planting site, about 5 km north of Donald is owned by the Goldsmith family and is adjacent to both Lake Gil Gil and Lake Buloke. Both lakes are of of high ecological and community significance. Lake Buloke is the terminal lake of the Avon-Richardson river system. Lake Gil Gil provides important habitat for many species including the carpet python. The team of local and visiting helpers donned their winter woolies to get out on the land. Fueled by home made scones, the planters put in worked tirelessly over 4 days to ensure the trees were well planted. The tree species chosen were all native to the area pre-agriculture. The St Arnaud Secondary School’s Enviroweek Program is an annual week-long exposure to real world eco-business, grass roots action and community initiatives. It was wonderful to see these new land custodians working to improve the local native environment. The trees planted will not only provide habitat for local wildlife, they also provide wind block and shade for stock and festival goers, prevent soil erosion, assist in salinity and ground water take up and are a crucial carbon offset. Huge thank you to Jenny Bibby and John Kell for your continued support of community tree planting projects such as ours.   Kevin Spence | Facilitator | Buloke and District Landcare

  Thank you to Jenny and John. And thank you also to Kevin and his team at the Buloke and Northern Grampians Landcare Network for coordinating the site, the nursery and the school community to come help plant. And for also providing the equipment and logistical support for the planting day.   Sláinte – Colleen Colleen Filippa is the Founder and Director of Fifteen Trees. This year, Fifteen Trees celebrates 10 years. To be part of the movement of companies looking to make a tangible contribution to our community groups and our native environment, contact Colleen at <[email protected]> or on 0400 040 659.