The Clarence Valley is home to many endangered species, one of which is the weeping paperbark, Melaleuca irbyana. It’s an attractive tree that only occurs in several places across our area.

Tucabia Primary School is helping to protect this species, and last week planted more than 60 trees at the Tucabia Flora Reserve, many of which were the weeping paperbark.

Schools Tree Day has arisen from National Tree Day and is recognised as one of the largest community environmental events in Australia; and across the Clarence Valley many schools take part in planting trees.

When asked what the best part of being out of the classroom and being involved in Tree Day was, one of the students replied: “we get out of doing maths”.

While they may have gotten out of maths for the morning, the students didn’t miss out on learning the all important ‘how to’ when it comes to planting seedlings.

Students were treated to a planting demonstration by Peter Turland from Yuraygir Landcare who was very appreciative of the kids helping out at the reserve. Peter talked to the students about the importance of revegetating with native species, controlling weeds, and showed them how to plant native species using water crystals, low phosphorous fertiliser, and the importance of a good mulch layer.

With their newly-gained knowledge, the students then chose a seedling and planted it, demonstrating the adage: “Tell me and I will forget, show me and I may remember, involve me and I will understand.”