Biodiversity Month: Caring for nature’s diversity
Biodiversity Month, celebrated every September, highlights the importance of connecting with nature and protecting our natural spaces.
Maitland is home to 695 flora species, 536 fauna species and nine threatened ecological communities. We’re continually working to protect and enhance our natural environment so our people, wildlife and plants can thrive.
Our Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2030 sets out how we will deliver functional biodiversity corridors, protect important natural spaces, improve waterway health and increase community participation in environmental events and volunteering.
Recent work includes our flying-fox homebase project in Tenambit, conducting native fauna studies and installing nest boxes at two bushland sites in Rutherford and East Maitland, regular community planting days and seedling giveaways, and more.
Join us in celebrating Maitland’s biodiversity by coming along to the following tree planting and birdwatching activities:
Seedling giveaway
Maitland Regional Art Gallery
Sunday 1 September, 1.00pm
1,000 seedlings available
Maitland residents can collect six seedlings per household, with proof of Maitland residence required on the day.
Street Eats seedling giveaway
Golden Whistler Avenue Park, Aberglasslyn
Friday 6 September, 5.00pm
520 seedlings available
Maitland residents can collect six seedlings per household, with proof of Maitland residence required on the day.
Breakfast with the Birds
East Maitland Landcare site at Durban Crescent, East Maitland
Saturday 28 September, 8.00am
Join East Maitland Landcare, along with Maitland City Council and the Hunter Bird Observers Club, for Breakfast with the Birds. Learn about birdwatching, see which bird species live locally and tour the Landcare site to find out how the community is working to make a difference to their habitat.
This event is free and a light breakfast will be provided. Registrations are required at mait.city/BreakfastWithTheBirds. Be sure to wear enclosed footwear, long sleeves, long pants and a hat.
Community planting event
Somerset Sports Field, Thornton
Monday 30 September, 8.00am
This event includes a bird walk with the Hunter Bird Observers Club, morning tea, craft and storytime with Maitland Libraries and tree planting fun. This event is free, but bookings are essential and can be made at mait.city/WetlandsTreePlanting.
Birdwatching kits
Maitland residents can borrow free birdwatching kits from Maitland City, East Maitland, Rutherford and Thornton Libraries to prepare for BirdLife Australia’s annual Aussie Bird Count, taking place from 14 to 20 October.
As part of the Maitland Schools Environment Program, Council will also work with Thornton Public School students during Biodiversity Month to plant 200 seedlings at a wetlands site in Thornton.
For more information on how we’re working to protect and monitor biodiversity in Maitland, visit:
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