VIC 2026 YWP Tree Planting Day

 Join us for a morning of tree planting and helping to restore native vegetation on Melbourne Water land at the Derrimut Retarding Basin. Friends, family, colleagues and community members are all welcome! 

 In addition to its important stormwater function, the Derrimut Retarding Basin contains a remnant patch of Plains Grassland. This type of vegetation once covered much of southern Victoria, from Melbourne to Portland, but has now been reduced to just 0.01% of its original extent. 

 On the day, we will be replacing weedy vegetation with local native species as part of the long-term process of restoring this area to something closer to its original state. We will be planting kangaroo grasses, wattles and wildflowers—and, if we are feeling strong, we may also scatter some rocks to create habitat for the rare Striped Legless Lizard. 

AWA has proudly partnered with Melbourne Water on tree planting initiatives for nine years, bringing together volunteers to improve the local environment and contribute to healthier waterways and landscapes across Melbourne's west.  

The day will begin with a Welcome to Country delivered by the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation. Coffee, muffins and light refreshments will be available before and during planting, giving everyone an opportunity to meet fellow volunteers before heading into the field.

Registrations are essential for catering purposes and to receive the exact meeting location and parking instructions prior to the event.

Family, friends, colleagues and community members are all welcome, including dogs on a leash.