River Torrens benefits from another 4,500 Arbor Day seedlings

Over 120 volunteers, including local Adelaide MPs, got their hands dirty helping to restore habitat along the River Torrens at our Arbor Day event on Sunday 18 June.

The 4,500 new seedlings will boost the number of trees planted along the major city waterway during the events eleven-year history to almost 50,000.

The annual community planting day contributes to Greening Australia’s ongoing restoration project run in partnership with the City of West Torrens and Natural Resources Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges to improve biodiversity, create new habitat and enhance water quality on the river.

“The river is an important wildlife corridor, particularly for aquatic plants and animals, but vegetation along its banks also provides habitat for a range of unique land-based species,” says Greening Australia’s Adelaide Director of Conservation, Stuart Collard.

The River Torrens stretches a vast 85 kilometres from the Adelaide Hills near Mt Pleasant to the Gulf St Vincent just south of Henley Beach, weaving its way through bush reserves, agricultural, urban and industrial landscapes.

“We have been involved with restoring biodiversity and habitat along this important river system since 2008. Previous Arbor Day plantings along the River Torrens have transformed once degraded areas into wonderful spaces for people and nature to thrive within urban Adelaide.”

A section of the River Torrens before revegetation work began in 2009 and after restoration in 2012.

The event forms part of Greening Australia’s Green Cities programme, which is working to make Adelaide a greener, more liveable city.

“Green spaces like the River Torrens are crucial for our emotional health and wellbeing. Native plants in urban landscapes clean our air and water, support native wildlife and provide natural areas for people to enjoy.”

“Each year, our Arbor Day volunteers make a direct, significant contribution to the important efforts being made to aid the recovery of the river. It is a chance for the local community to get involved with helping their environment and to gain a better appreciation of the value of trees and nature in our cities.”

Arbor Day, the ‘day of trees’, was first observed in Australia in Adelaide in 1889.

The event was run in partnership with The City of West Torrens, Natural Resources Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges, and Benson Radiology who also provided significant funding for on-ground work.