Mother’s Day tree planting biggest yet

The beautiful weather held for Mother’s Day in Byron Shire and around 500 people headed to Dingo Lane in Myocum for the ninth annual Mullum Music Festival (MMF) Mother’s Day tree planting.

The aim of getting 1,600 trees in the ground was outstripped early in the day and by midday new tree planters were having to dig their own holes.

‘It was lovely atmosphere with people planting as the music drifted over the area we were working and we ended up planting over 1,800 trees throughout the morning,’ said Jo Green from Brunswick Valley Landcare.

‘For us it is great to get to work with the Landcare mob,’ said MMF manager Nino Haggith.

‘The day has been a great success and continues to grow each year. A few years ago we were wondering about coupling it with Mother’s Day but I think it has become a really special day for many people. Some people come to remember mums that have passed and plant a tree for them.’

‘The bands that were playing included the band Loose Content that won our youth mentorship award and it is great to be able to give them some gigs to play at,’ he said.

Creating a koala corridor

The area that was being planted was previously a cow paddock in the upper catchment and is a tributary to Kings Creek that leads into the Brunswick River.

‘There are riparian plantings around the creek while further back there are lots of koala feed trees that will help create a koala corridor along the creek,’ said Ms Green.

‘This is part of the upper catchment and by planting these trees and shrubs it will help filter the water and improve the water quality of the Brunswick Estuary.

‘Thanks to all the wonderful people who volunteered to make this day happen. They have been amazing preparing the site and working non-stop all day. People have worked really hard,’ she said with a broad smile.