Wagga Wagga City Council would like to thank the 1,200 community members who attended the One Tree For Me seedling giveaways for 2024 and helped get 6,000 plants in the ground.
Council held three seedling giveaways in Gumly Gumly, Estella, and Turvey Park in June, August and September in an effort to get seedlings out into our community.
Council's Environmental Education Officer Christina Reid said "The One Tree for Me" initiative focuses on local action to maintain biodiversity and lessen the impacts of land clearing.
"By planting seedlings in our own backyards, we replace some of the habitat that has been cleared and support some of our littlest native critters, such as bees, butterflies and birds.
"All of the selected seedlings are local native species that have evolved over time to thrive in the local Wagga Wagga area."
The seedlings are sourced from local nurseries that are grown ahead of time to ensure they reach maturity in time for the giveaways.
Ms Reid said the Council's Environment team are now planning for next year and are encouraging this year's participants to complete a short survey.
"By filling out the survey you will help Council plan for a more successful program for 2025 and ensure we reach our goal of 65,000 seedlings planted in the local area by 2026.
"As a reward for completing it, you will go into a draw to win a copy of George Adams' book Birdscaping - Australian Gardens: using native plants to attract birds to your garden."
Ms Reid said a name will be drawn on 14 November to receive the book, and will be live streamed on the Sustainable Wagga Wagga Facebook page.
