Gannons Park came alive last week as a dedicated team of five volunteers from Lazard joined forces with Greater Sydney Landcare (GSL) staff to plant an impressive 1,050 native trees and shrubs. It was a day full of sunshine, laughter, shared purpose, and lots of digging!
This planting was part of a revegetation refresh, following a 2024 planting that achieved a 65% survival rate. After reviewing what thrived best in the area, the team carefully selected hardy native species for the replant, including Eucalyptus punctata, Acacia longifolia, Hakea sericea, and Kunzea ambigua. These species are perfectly suited to the local environment and will help restore the natural resilience of the bushland.
The Lazard volunteers teamed up with GSL staff members Danielle Hughes (Project Manager), Alicia Harb-Akins (Project Officer), Bryce Doyle (Natural Resource Manager), Ryan Birtles (Revegetation Officer), Peter Cartwright (Environmental Officer), and Matt Allison from Creatures of Habitat. Together, they spent the day planting and watering in hundreds of young tubestock, working steadily under warm skies and a gentle, refreshing breeze.
Of course, no planting day is complete without some well-earned treats. Morning tea featured fresh fruit, biscuits, and plenty of tea and coffee to keep spirits high. Later, everyone refuelled with a delicious spread of Subway sandwiches for lunch, an ideal reward after a productive morning among the trees.
The surrounding bushland, part of the Sydney Hinterland Apple–Blackbutt Gully Forest, added a stunning backdrop to the day’s activities. Towering old canopy trees, with many with deep natural hollows, provided habitat for local wildlife. The group was treated to sightings of cockatoos and kookaburras making use of these hollows, a wonderful reminder of the importance of ongoing bush restoration work.
The combination of beautiful weather, enthusiastic volunteers, and meaningful environmental action made this planting day at Gannons Park a truly memorable and positive event. With 1,050 new natives now in the ground, the future of this special patch of bushland is looking bright!
Volunteer for Bushcare in the Georges River Area
If you’d like to contribute to environmental efforts in the Georges River 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.
About Creating Canopies
Between 2020-2025, Landcare NSW and Greater Sydney Landcare involved the community in 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.
