Trees planted in Lone Pine Ave for National Tree Day
The Grow Urban Shade Trees group celebrated National Tree Day on Sunday, July 24, planting street trees in Lone Pine Ave.
The group purchased the trees of species stipulated by Central Coast Council.
Council identified the locations along Lone Pine Ave where trees could be planted, and 41 residents were invited to have a tree planted on their verge if they were willing to care for it.
Of these, 15 residents took up the offer.
Group member Ms Jan Deighton said: "Residents were excited to be part of this project and are looking forward to the prospect of a shaded pathway."
Another member Ms Lesley Harvey said it was also a great learning experience for the many volunteers who came to help on the planting day.
Group member Ms Deb Sunartha said the group was encouraged by the residents offering to care for a tree, recognising their contribution to a more liveable environment for future generations to enjoy.
She said reasons given for choosing not to have a tree included concerns about leaf drop, the possible impact on their lawns, a dislike of trees and needing their verge for car parking.
Ms Sunartha said the group was wanting to offset the huge loss of mature shade and habitat trees that the Peninsula has suffered.
"Our council planners have approved the removal of 253 trees since the start of 2020, as a direct result of development applications for multi villa, secondary dwellings and new house builds,.
"If this rate of tree removals continues, many locals fear that the Peninsula will see even hotter summers, disappearing bird life, shadeless walks, poor air quality and less liveable conditions."
She said the Greener Places Strategy adopted by the council recommended the retention of trees to protect our environment and ensure sustainable development. "This strategy is being ignored."
Group founder Ms Jen Wilder said: "What prompted us to select Lone Pine Ave for our National Tree event'was the tree loss that resulted from the new Lone Pine Plaza development.
"Shade trees must be installed here to offset that loss and reduce urban heat.'
"We hope that this project will inspire other Peninsula residents to plant a native tree in their yard or verge to increase canopy cover and enhance our local area."
Email gust@peg.org.au for tree suggestions.
SOURCE:
Media release, 24 Jul 2022
Deb Sunartha, GUST