Celebrate Maitland's biodiversity this September

Maitland City Council will bring the community together to celebrate Biodiversity Month this September, spotlighting the importance of connecting with and caring for nature through tree planting and birdwatching activities.

From 1.00pm on Sunday 1 September, Maitland residents can collect free native seedlings from Maitland Regional Art Gallery to plant in their garden or backyard and support biodiversity in our suburbs.

Another seedling giveaway will take place at Street Eats on Friday 6 September at Golden Whistler Avenue Park, Aberglasslyn from 5.00pm until all seedlings have been allocated.

Maitland residents can collect up to six seedlings per property at each seedling giveaway, with proof of Maitland residency required.

On Monday 30 September, a community planting event will be held from 8.00am, where the community is invited to roll up their sleeves, help plant 320 new seedlings and help restore the threatened ecological community at Somerset Sports Field, Thornton.

Council’s Manager Environment and Sustainability, Catherine Pepper, said attendees of all ages at the planting event will also have the opportunity to ‘spot and learn about local birdlife on a leisurely walk with Hunter Bird Observers Club, enjoy morning tea and participate in craft and storytime activities with the Maitland Libraries team.’

The planting event is free, but bookings are essential and can be made at mait.city/WetlandsTreePlanting.

Council’s Environment and Sustainability team will also work with Thornton Public School students during Biodiversity Month to plant 200 seedlings at a wetlands site in Thornton.

‘We all have a vital role to play in protecting Maitland’s natural spaces and the diverse species that inhabit them,’ said Ms Pepper.

‘Biodiversity Month is the perfect opportunity to take pride in our local environment, get your hands dirty and pitch in.’

Residents can also prepare for the upcoming Aussie Bird Count (14 to 20 October 2024) with birdwatching kits available to loan from Maitland City, East Maitland, Rutherford and Thornton Libraries.

Ms Pepper said Biodiversity Month is a great opportunity to raise awareness of Council’s commitments to ‘deliver functional biodiversity corridors and protect important natural spaces.’

‘We know from speaking with and listening to the Maitland community that the protection of natural spaces is a priority,’ Ms Pepper said.

‘Our Environmental Sustainability Strategy 2030, adopted last year, sets out a roadmap for proactive leadership in maintaining and restoring remnant bushland, much of which provides important habitat for threatened native fauna.’

For more information on how to get involved in Council’s Biodiversity Month events, visit mait.city/BiodiversityMonth.

This project has been assisted by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust.