City of Swan urges residents to join 2018 Trillion Trees Challenge

THE City of Swan is calling on residents to help make a difference and join the 2018 Trillion Trees Challenge, which was launched in Whiteman Park this month.

Hundreds of volunteers planted more than 8000 tree seedlings at Whiteman Park on July 15.

Hazelmere-based charity Trillion Trees, formerly named Men of the Trees, has been Guinness World Record holders since 2014.

Mayor David Lucas said the charity’s volunteers and nursery manager had planted more than 200,000 seedlings each year since 1986.

“Through dedication and commitment to making a difference, Trillion Trees has planted more than 15 million native trees and plants and educated future generations about the importance of caring for the environment and sustainability,” he said.

Trillion Trees managing director Sandra Krempl said it was the charity’s goal to plant a trillion trees after changing its name.

“This year we will be revegetating a very degraded and challenging area within Whiteman Park,” she said.

“It has sandy soil which has been grazed on by cattle for decades.”

In the City, more than 60 per cent of the land had been cleared, with 60 per cent of the remaining vegetation on private property.

Each year the City invests $20,000 in the Trillion Trees project and bought about 10,000 plants for residents interested in planting.