On Saturday 27th September 2025, Greater Sydney Landcare and Landcare NSW hosted what was planned to be the final community planting of the Creating Canopies project, at Western Sydney University’s Hawkesbury Campus in Richmond. (Except we hosted one last encore event!)
An incredible 111 volunteers turned up, planting a massive 3,000 native trees with us while celebrating the upcoming completion of this phenomenal project.
Creating Canopies’ Big Impact
Creating Canopies began in 2020 with a bold goal: reduce urban heat by planting 100,000 native trees and shrubs in low-canopy areas of Greater Sydney. That target was smashed, with 104,910 trees planted by the end of 2022. In 2023, the project was expanded to plant another 200,000 by the end of 2025. We’re now on track to not only complete that target but exceed it by the end of October 2025—on time and under budget.
Here’s what we’ve achieved together through Creating Canopies:
- 350+ planting events hosted
- 7,000+ volunteers involved, from the community and corporate organisations
- 35,000+ volunteer hours contributed
- 20 LGAs across Sydney benefitted
- 70+ landholders partnered with, both private and public
- 200+ native species planted
- 300,000+ new native trees and shrubs for Greater Sydney – surpassing our original goal!
A Fantastic Volunteer Crew
Saturday’s planting drew both familiar and new faces. Many long-time volunteers joined us again, and we were proud to recognise those who have planted with us time and again at numerous events by presenting them with certificates of appreciation. Members of the Mudcrabs also joined us on the day, bringing their trademark positive energy and community spirit.
We also welcomed newcomers, such as the Sydney Malayalee Association, who brought more than 25 volunteers to celebrate their organisation’s 50th anniversary, as well as students from Western Sydney University. Participants travelled from near and far to take part, showing just how far-reaching the project’s impact has been.
Restoring Nature for People & Wildlife
Volunteers planted and watered native trees and shrubs from the Castlereagh Ironbark Forest plant community type, listed as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act. Species planted included gumtrees (Eucalypts, Angophoras, Corymbias), hakeas, banksias, sheoaks (Allocasuarinas), paperbarks (Melaleucas), teatrees (Leptospermums), bottlebrushes (Callistemons), wattles (Acacias), Hopbush (Dodonaea viscosa), Tick Bush (Kunzea ambigua), Sweet Bursaria (Bursaria spinosa) and Rice Flower (Ozothamnus diosmifolius).
These plantings will grow into much-needed canopy and mid-storey habitat for local wildlife. As they mature, they’ll also provide natural shade and cooling—helping to combat the urban heat island effect across Greater Sydney.
A Special Setting for a Special Day
The Secret Garden Community Hub generously hosted us, with the four planting sites of the day situated behind their property. Volunteers enjoyed the chance to see the Secret Garden’s animals—goats, horses, sheep, cockatiels, button quails, and even free-range guinea fowl. Families especially appreciated the playground, trampoline, and miniature train.
The day had a festival feel, with live music from Phat Brass, a barbecue lunch, and celebratory cake. A raffle added to the excitement, with one lucky winner taking home a voucher for the Secret Garden Community Hub nursery. And for something extra memorable—volunteers even got to pat goats between planting sessions!
Adding to the atmosphere, the event coincided with the RAAF Richmond Airshow, so some lucky planters also enjoyed the spectacle of F35s and other aircraft soaring overhead.
Looking Back with Pride
It was a day filled with joy and pride, but also a little bittersweet. Creating Canopies has connected thousands of people with nature while making a huge impact for biodiversity and cooling our city.
As we near the close of this extraordinary project, we extend heartfelt thanks to Western Sydney University, the Secret Garden Community Hub, all our dedicated volunteers, the landowners who invited us to create canopies on their land, Landcare NSW, and the NSW Government. Thank you for caring for Greater Sydney’s environment.
Volunteer for Bushcare in the Hawkesbury
If you’d like to contribute to environmental efforts in the Hawkesbury LGA, you can become a Bushcare volunteer and regenerate bushland. No experience is necessary as training is provided.
Get Involved with Greater Sydney Landcare
Find out more about Corporate Volunteering with Greater Sydney Landcare here. Be sure to download our Corporate Volunteering Info Pack.
About Creating Canopies
Landcare NSW and Greater Sydney Landcare are planting 300,000 trees as part of the Greening our City program to help reduce urban heat in Greater Sydney. Proudly funded by the NSW Government.
