Springwood’s youngest green thumbs recently descended upon Highfield Park to help vegetate the new reserve with dozens of native trees.
Shovels and wheelbarrows in tow, the children replanted trees that had initially been potted by local children at the 2017 Gawler Show, and cared for by Heyne’s Wholesale Nursery.
Children involved in the initial potting returned to plant their own personal tree around the perimeter of the kick about space at the Park, including resident Emma Chapparo and her parents.
“We love that we were involved in planting back in 2017, and now we get to watch our tree grow as we enjoy the new park for years to come,” said Emma’s father, Cesar.
The trees join over 15,000 other plants in the Park – ranging from indigenous trees, shrubs and understory plants – helping to create a habitat for thousands of animals, and providing a green corridor from Springwood into the foothills of the Barossa.
Springwood Communities Project Director, Warwick Mittiga, believes the family tree-planting initiative will have long-lasting benefits for the community, as families watch the trees grow as their children grow.
“When a child plants a tree, it doesn’t just help the environment and wildlife – it can have a positive impact through children better understanding the benefits of sustainability and biodiversity within their community,” he said.
“With more than 74 hectares of dedicated recreation space – spread over innovative parks and play spaces, and four kilometres of walking trails and cycle paths – enhancing and protecting our natural environment is a huge focus for us at Springwood.”
Within Springwood, residents will never be more 200 metres from a park – and with so much open space to vegetate, a nursery is on the cards, according to Warwick.
“Down the track, our plan for Springwood includes our own nursery to grow and then plant trees and plants within Springwood,” he said.