Trillion Trees is preparing to host two free winter community planting days this month at Hazelmere and Caversham to help restore the Helena River and surrounding wetlands this June.

The two events include the Mandoon Moitch and Mandoon Bilya community planting days, which places a particular focus on restoring the Helena River corridor in Hazelmere.

Community members are invited to take part in these community planting days and help restore the Helena River (Mandoon Bilya) and surrounding wetland ecosystems through hands-on environmental action.

This year’s Mandoon Bilya event comes at a significant moment for the Helena River corridor, following the recent revocation of a proposed data centre development in Hazelmere that sparked widespread community discussion about the environmental importance of the wetlands and surrounding ecosystems.

Held during winter when the Helena River flows and the surrounding landscape comes alive, the planting days will help support long-term ecosystem restoration, improve biodiversity and strengthen habitat for native wildlife.

The Helena River is a dammed river system that flows during winter and plays an important role in protecting Perth’s drinking water supply.

The river also helps slow water movement through the landscape, allowing surrounding ecosystems and wetlands to retain moisture and remain hydrated during the warmer months.

The Mandoon Bilya Restoration Project in Hazelmere is one of Trillion Trees’ key Perth wetland restoration initiatives - for the past 40 years the organisation has focused on rebuilding degraded riparian ecosystems along the Helena River through revegetation, habitat restoration and community stewardship.

The project also supports important native wildlife species, including the south-west snake-necked turtle, which inhabits nearby wetland environments such as Coal Dam Park.

Free bookings are available now for both planting days. Members of the public, community groups, schools, and families are encouraged to attend.

The Mandoon Moitch Community Planting Day will be held on Saturday, June 13 at Guildford Meadows, Caversham with the Mandoon Bilya Community Planting Day to be held on Saturday, June 27 at Hazelmere.

Trillion Trees’ ecological restoration manager Doug Laurie said community planting days play a vital role in restoring biodiversity and reconnecting people with nature.

“Winter is when the Helena River comes alive, and these planting days give the community an opportunity to directly contribute to restoring one of Perth’s most significant waterways,” Mr Laurie said.

“By planting native trees, sedges and rushes along the river corridor, we are helping rebuild habitat for wildlife, improve ecosystem health and create more resilient landscapes for future generations.

“These events are also about community connection – bringing people together to take meaningful environmental action and experience firsthand the importance of restoring and protecting our wetlands and waterways.”

Trillion Trees is also encouraging the community to support its Helena River Appeal, which aims to fund the planting of thousands of additional native trees and plants along the Helena River this winter.

Established in 1979, Trillion Trees is one of the longest running volunteer-led environmental organisations in WA.

It has planted more than 15 million trees since its inception and continues to work toward a world where all people recognise the value of trees.

For more information and to register for the Winter Community Planting Days, visit the dedicated webpage.

To support the Helena River Appeal, visit the website.