Stroud Homes Hobart, is building more than beautiful houses, they’re helping grow a healthier environment too. For every home they build, Stroud Homes Hobart proudly funds the planting of native trees (15 for every new build) right there in Tasmania. These trees will support local biodiversity, strengthen community revegetation efforts and ensure that every new home contributes to a greener future for the island they call home.

We recently planted on behalf of Stroud, 60 native trees, shrubs and grasses at Dodges Ferry with students from the local primary school. The planting was organised under their Grow and Learn Program at the school. Approximately 130 students and staff, joined in with the planting, mulching and watering. The site is close to the beach and community walking track.

The area consists of coastal vegetation and the species planted (native grasses, blue gums, salt bush, wattles, tea trees, casuarinas and banksias) complemented this. Ralph Dodge, one of the original settlers in the area had a farm in this area and ferried people across the water to the other side of the Coal River mouth. Hence the name Dodges Ferry.

Thank you so much for supporting the students at Dodges Ferry in revegetating the environment around their school. Not only is this a unique and valued experience for them, but it also has the added environmental benefits which connects them to their immediate environment and gives them a sense of pride and connection. This is such a valuable program for them to have the privilege to take part in. This project would not be possible without your support. And the flow on effect is to the community of beach users and walkers of the community track.

Sonja Ralph | Grow and Learn Teacher | Dodges Ferry Primary School

The planting site itself is near an adjacent wetland area, and right next to the beach. The school is slowly returning pasture back to bush and native habitat for wetland animals. It is also reducing erosion, beautifying the area and making habitat for native wildlife such as Blue tongue lizards, bandicoots, a plethora of native birds, wetland insects and native frogs.

We also thank the team at Stroud 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, 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.