A Port Melbourne early learning centre has teamed up with local residents to host a community tree planting day in Lagoon Reserve on Saturday May 28 from 10am to 12pm.
Members of the community are invited to plant trees and native grasses in Lagoon Reserve and tour the adjoining Bubup Womindjeka Family and Children’s Centre (BWFCC) during their open day.
Port Melbourne resident Alice Turnbull began organising the annual event nine years ago with the concept to bring neighbours together and provide an opportunity for an authentic connection with the environment.
‘It’s not age specific. How long since you kneeled down and dug a hole in the ground or planted a seedling then watered it in?’
Alice first approached BWFCC to take part in the event as a neighbour of the reserve but has since been inspired by the centre’s strong environment credentials.
Bubup Womindjeka has adopted an Outdoor Champions education program to encourage an understanding of the environment.
Children at the centre actively participate in the care of chickens, rabbits and watering of the garden. Families are encouraged to recycle and swap children’s clothing and toys and contribute non-perishable foods to help local families through the Bubup Pantry.
Outdoor education officers at Bubup Womindjeka have trained eight educators to be Outdoor Champions and work with children in each room to encourage the use of outdoor space for play and learning activities.
The centre uses the open space of Lagoon Reserve for their sports program.
Alice is a member of the resident committee for Social Health and Inclusion Port (SHIP) and has been involved in organising the annual community tree planting day for nine years, supported by the City of Port Phillip and St Kilda Indigenous Nursery Co-operative (SKINC).
Bubup Womindjeka Family and Children’s Centre is at 85 Liardet Street adjoining Lagoon Reserve. Planting will occur around the cricket nets of Lagoon Reserve. All welcome. Bring gardening gloves. It is recommended that dogs are on leashes during the planting.
