The Upper Ovens Valley Landcare Group (UOVLG) is set to host a tree-planting day in Freeburgh this weekend in honour of National Tree Day, after invasive blackberry bushes and other woody weeds were recently removed from a nearby embankment.
The goal is to plant more than 500 native trees and bushes along a one kilometre section of the Ovens River, which has been inaccessible for many years.
"This year's target is a beautiful stretch of river in Freeburgh," UOVLG vice president, Martyn Paterson said.
"The area has been so infested with weeds; no-one has been able to access it for decades, so it's a great opportunity for all those who haven't seen it to come along and see what it should look like.
"The invasive species have now been cleared and the ground mulched and ready for planting, thanks to our partners at North East Catchment Management Authority (NECMA) and Parks Victoria.
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"It's a bit of challenge, as we've got over 500 trees to plant, so any extra hands are very welcome, with the inducement of a sausage sizzle afterwards.
"It will be a great family day out on Sunday: we try to get children involved in anything we do.
"Recently we had a working bee with local children collecting hair ties from the banks of the Ovens River in Bright, as there had been instances of native animals being trapped in them.
"We've been involved in working bees at Harrietville, Porepunkah, Wandiligong and Morses Creek to steadily improve habitats along the Ovens River and restore the canopy of trees.
"Once open spaces are available for growth, the weeds quickly take over: we've seen Perriwinkle, Box-Elder, Hemlock, Blackberry, Trad and other non-native plants take over the local environment.
"Willow trees also used to be a preferred tree for Europeans to plant beside the river, because they liked the look of them, but they add no value to the native environment, so we've been gradually removing them."
This year's tree-planting will commence at 10am this Sunday, 27 July, with lunch provided.
Attendees can meet at the Old Harrietville Bridge, near the Great Alpine Road and North East Water storage and off-take pipe, wearing suitable clothes, a hat, gloves and sturdy footwear.
Planting participants are invited to bring along their favourite planting tools, although tools will also be provided on the day.
As a family event, children are very welcome and the UOVLG asks attendees to observe the Parks Victoria 'Working with Children' protocols: https://www.parkconnect.vic.gov.au/Volunteer/childsafety/
For more details about tree planting plans call Martyn Paterson on mob 0437 501 441.
