National Tree Day - Create Habitat for Thara (Black-shouldered Kite)

Hume City Council is again participating in Australia's National Tree Day. Join with thousands of people around the country help to plant over one million local-native seedlings and restore the natural environment.

A pair of Black-shouldered Kite nest in the trees near the new Rosenthal native grassland reserve, in Sunbury. These beautiful birds are called Thara in the Woiwurung language of the Wurundjeri people, in the Kulin Nation. They have the unique ability to hover in the air as birds of prey, when searching for small mammals, lizards, and insects to eat.

This community planting event will add lots more wildflowers and native grasses in the area of the reserve that was burnt in autumn. This will create more diverse habitats for the animals that Thara then feed on, as a rich food web.

A family-friendly native wildlife display will be provided by WildlifeXposure in the adjacent park at 1 Longtan Avenue. Hear about interesting local animals, with opportunities for great photos, and if you are brave, you might even get to touch a reptile.

• Gloves.
• Sunscreen.
• All the planting tools and materials.
• Drinking water, tea and coffee.
• Pizzas ordered for lunch and fruit snacks available.
• Portable toilet on site (with 2 steps up into it).
• Hard copies of the Birds of Hume and Fauna of Hume will be available at the event, or find digital versions at Discover Nature in Hume.

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing and bring a rain/wind-proof jacket.
• Wear safe, fully-enclosed walking shoes.
• Bring your own reusable drink bottle.

Melissa Doherty
Urban Biodiversity Officer, Hume City Council

[email protected]
(03) 9205 2200, 0409 702 086

• Help revegetate our shared open green spaces.
• The events focus on local biodiversity issues.
• There will be other fun stuff happening and food.
• It's free and all materials/equipment are provided!

These events are family-friendly and child-safe, however children will need to be under the direct supervision of their parents or guardians.

Bookings for Greening events are required. Click on the event title to register.

Saturday 25 May, 10am to 1pm, Wildwood

Saturday 15 June, 11am to 2pm, Meadow Heights

Tuesday 18 June, 1.30pm to 3.30pm, Roxburgh Park

Sunday 28 July, 10am to 1.30pm, Sunbury

Host or Publisher Hume City Council