TRILLION Trees, an environmental non-profit organisation based in Viveash, is sharing in more than $1 million in grants to kickstart environmental rehabilitation programs.

The organisation received $24,532 from Landcare and Bupa to organise a community planting day at Reg Bond Reserve in early 2025.

Trillion Trees employee Kate Herren said the funding would cover the purchase of more than 3000 plants and all preparation needed to get the reserve gardens ready for new plants, as well as a workshop on building bird nest boxes with local bird expert Simon Cherriman.

“The native trees, plants and ground cover species we will plant at Reg Bond Reserve are grown in our community nursery and carefully selected to create a biodiverse ecosystem that supports a wide range of native wildlife,” she said.

“Reg Bond Reserve is located on the floodplain of the Swan River and as such all species planted are associated with a riparian plant community which can survive being submerged for short periods.

“The wider area is known to provide a safe habitat for various small aquatic and land animals including fish, frogs and oblong turtles.”

She said more than 20 species of birds were also identified in the surrounding area by WA Naturalists Club in a 2022 survey, so volunteers will be building a nest box to erect in the reserve.

More than 120 volunteers are expected at the planting day, according to Ms Herren, and she said hands on activities like tree planting were a great way to help give people a sense of tangible achievement in their efforts to combat climate change.

“The activities are accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds, and many children attend with their parents,” she said.

“This helps develop the environmental advocates of the future.

“The entire site continues to be open to the public for recreation, allowing volunteers to revisit the location at any time for anecdotal monitoring of success rates.”

Thirty-three programs received a grant in this year’s round of Bupa’s Healthy Cities program, all aimed at family-friendly tree planting across WA.

The programs will share in more than $1m to organise environmental restoration projects which will result in the planting of 82,500 native trees, shrubs and ground covers across the country.

These projects will transform local environments and create healthier, greener spaces for communities to enjoy. The grants program aims to enhance both environmental and health outcomes by improving the connectivity of native vegetation and creating new green spaces in urban areas.

Landcare Australia chief executive Dr Shane Norrish said he couldn’t wait to see the funded projects come to life.

“I am proud of our partnership with Bupa and the commitment to empower communities to make a meaningful impact on both the health of their local environments and people’s wellbeing – values that lie at the very heart of Landcare,” he said.

“It is also inspiring to witness the dedication of so many volunteers, groups and organisations who are passionate about supporting their communities.”