Our site was at Reymond Street, next door to the Forbes Riverside Community Nursery. Approximately 180 trees and shrubs were planted by members of the community, followed by a BBQ at the Forbes Riverside Nursery, where many of the eucalypts planted on the day were grown.

It was fantastic to see such a wonderful group turn out on the day. Our focus is working together as a community and increasing habitat and connectivity for local fauna.

"We have had some of our community attending for many years, but are always excited to see new faces" said Central West Lachlan Landcare Chairperson, Ben Kerin.

Trees were provided by Forbes Shire Council and follow up maintenance and establishment watering will be undertaken by Council.

"We aim to plant well and mulch well when they are established to minimise follow up watering," Landcare Coordinator, Marg Applebee said.

Central West Lachlan Landcare were pleased to be working in partnership with Forbes Shire Council, with the support of Toyota, who supplied shirts and gloves for the day.

National Tree Day started in 1996 and is Australia's largest community tree-planting and nature care event. Did you know that a large healthy tree can sequester up to 93kg of CO2 a year? Time in nature reduces stress, improves happiness, wellbeing and productivity.

A 5% increase in tree cover can reduce nearby daytime temperatures by 2.3 degrees. Time spent in green outdoor spaces can lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

If you missed this year and want to be involved next year, we will do it all again on the last Saturday of July 2020.

A big thank you to members of the community and Mayor Phyllis Miller for supporting the event and getting involved.

Until next week, happy Landcaring.