On Wednesday 17th September 2025, Greater Sydney Landcare hosted a Creating Canopies community tree planting at Eastlake Golf Club. A wonderful 44 volunteers joined the day, planting 1,289 native trees and shrubs in just two hours!
The plants were specifically chosen from the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub— a critically endangered ecological community native to this area. Species planted included Gum trees (Eucalypts, Angophoras), Sheoaks (Allocasuarinas), Paperbarks (Melaleucas), Banksias, Tea Trees (Leptospermums), Wattles (Acacias), Mountain Devil (Lambertia Formosa), and Wedding Bush (Ricinocarpos pinifolius).
Caring for a Critically Endangered Ecological Community
Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub once grew extensively between North Head and Botany Bay, but now only a fraction remains. Animals that forage in the remnants include honeyeater birds, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos, Blue Tongue Lizards and Ring-tailed Possums. The plants we installed will create new food and shelter opportunities for our unique native wildlife.
The wetlands surrounding Eastlake Golf Club are home to Spoonbills, cormorants, Black Cockatoos, Purple Swamphens and many more native birds. On the day, we even spotted a Rakali—a native Australian Water-rat—highlighting the biodiversity that local habitats support, and which this planting will also benefit in the future.
Coming Together for Nature
The day was led by Greater Sydney Landcare’s Creating Canopies Project Manager Danielle Hughes, Natural Resources Manager Bryce Doyle, Revegetation Officer Ryan Birtles, and Environmental Restoration Officer Peter Cartwright.
Volunteers came from all over Sydney and from all walks of life, including around 20 participants from Croda, members of The Mudcrabs (Cooks River Eco Volunteers), and students from Western Sydney University’s Robotics Club. Their contribution showcases the strength of collective action in restoring ecosystems and building greener, cooler urban spaces.
Improving Habitat at Eastlake Golf Club
It was a sunny spring morning, and with so many helping hands, the work was completed swiftly. Volunteers gathered afterwards to chat and connect over an early lunch of sandwiches, finishing the event by 11 am. Stakes were placed along the planting islands to protect the new seedlings from golfers and their buggies.
This was the third Creating Canopies planting at Eastlake Golf Club, following two successful events in 2024 where 3,100 trees and shrubs were installed. Thanks to Greater Sydney Landcare, the total planted at this site has now exceeded 4,300.
Positive Feedback From Volunteers
Volunteers rated the event as excellent, praising the organisation, supportive staff, and catering. Many said they enjoyed planting and watering trees, meeting new people, and learning more about local ecosystems such as the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub. Participants also commented on the welcoming atmosphere and the chance to connect with nature.
One volunteer shared, “I enjoyed the nature around me, especially the beautiful wattle tree at the entrance to the event.” Another said, “You’ve thought about everything to make it such a smooth and interesting experience. You’ve done an excellent job organising and managing the day. Thanks kindly.” Others described the day as “well organised—I felt guided and supported” and “extremely fun.”
Building Shade, Habitat & Community
Thank you to Eastlake Golf Club for partnering with Greater Sydney Landcare to increase canopy cover, cooling shade, and habitat for wildlife on their property. With continued collaboration, together we are restoring critical habitat, creating resilient green spaces, and building stronger community connections.
Volunteer for Bushcare in Bayside
If you’d like to contribute to environmental efforts in the Bayside LGA, you can become a Bushcare volunteer and regenerate bushland. No experience is necessary as training is provided.
Corporate Volunteering with Greater Sydney Landcare
Find out more about Corporate Volunteering with Greater Sydney Landcare here. Be sure to download our Corporate Volunteering Info Pack.
Get Involved in Creating Canopies
If you’d like to find out how to get free trees planted on your land, visit our Register Your Site for Trees page.
Come along and plant trees with Creating Canopies. Find out what events we have coming up on Greater Sydney Landcare’s Eventbrite page.
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.
