Local artists are sharing their love for the river red gum through a new exhibition at Wagga Wagga City Library.
'Reflections on River Red Gum' includes poetry, photography, prose, and drawing celebrating the iconic Australian species.
The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has partnered with a range of local artists to create the exhibition, including Gab Tozer, Gretchen Foster, Jan Pittard, Jason Richardson, Karen Walsh, Lieng Lay, Maree Myhill, Max Graffen, Michelle Maddison and Robert Rathbone.
River red gums are found along rivers and creeks, near wetlands, and scattered across floodplains. The river red gum is the most widely distributed eucalypt species in mainland Australia.
River red gum forests and connected wetlands are biodiversity hotspots - home to a long list of native plants and animals. They provide important ecosystem services for surrounding landscapes and communities.
Water for the environment is being used to support long-term river red gum forest health by providing the right amount of water at the right time for them to grow, flower and set seed.
Quotes attributable to NSW DCCEEW Water for the Environment, Director, Julie-Anne Harty:
"This is a great opportunity for skilled artists to shine a light on these incredible trees.
"The river red gum is the backdrop for much of our lives. Those who live in a riverside town know how important these trees are to our communities and our wildlife.
"This project is a chance to celebrate our love for the species and the role it plays - providing inspiration, sanctuary, habitat, and more.
"We are encouraging everyone to make a visit to the library to learn more about river red gum and how we can support it into the future."
'Reflections on River Red Gum' is on display at Wagga Wagga City Library from Friday, 17 January to March.
The opening of the exhibition will be celebrated on Friday, 17 January from 10am with a weaving workshop led by First Nations artist Debbie Wood and followed by morning tea.
