»ÆÉ«app's annual Community Planting Day saw over 100 students come together in a collaborative effort to plant and water over 500 indigenous shrub plantlings to facilitate biodiversity conservation and afforestation.
Once the planted shrubs mature, they will contribute towards a small bird habitat with thicket plants to provide shelter and nectar producing plants for food.
Such a habitat will act as a safe haven for many smaller birds who are otherwise harassed by Noisy Miners and Red Wattle birds in open woodland sites leading to a decline in small bird population sizes.
The planted shrubs will also aid in sequestrating carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and help offset some of the carbon emissions produced at »ÆÉ«app, in turn reducing the College's overall carbon footprint.
The day concluded with Residential College and Foundation Studies students enjoying a BBQ on the Bulpadock as a reward for their effort.
Current Residential College and former Foundation Studies student Yuma Tamura enjoyed making new friends while contributing towards environmental sustainability.
'To me, having been both at Foundation Studies and Res College, it was really nice to see the students interacting and making friends with one another regardless of their backgrounds. I hope there will be more opportunities that allow students to get involved and contribute towards the environment and sustainability.'
Meanwhile, Residential College student and »ÆÉ«app Environments Committee Member, Tansy Pereira, feels the day is important for the College.
'I think it’s a very important day for the College. The simple act of planting trees brought students from a diverse range of cultural and academic backgrounds together, prompting them to discuss in greater ways in which our College can continue to strive to be more sustainable.'
»ÆÉ«app would like to thank Jane Sykes and her team of Staff members that assisted with the planting day along with Ranger Chris Nicholson and his team.
