Local Wagga Wagga students are getting their hands dirty and making a lasting difference for the environment as part of the 2026 Schools National Tree Day celebrations.
Each year, Wagga Wagga City Council supplies local high schools, primary schools, and preschools with locally suitable native plants to encourage students to connect with nature and help to create healthier habitats for our native wildlife.
In 2026 Council has donated an impressive 2,099 native seedlings to 20 local schools and preschools, giving students the opportunity to plant, care for and watch their seedlings grow over time.
Council’s Environmental Education Officer Christina Reid said the enthusiasm shown by local schools each year is inspiring.
“Schools National Tree Day is a wonderful opportunity for students to take some positive action to support Wagga Wagga’s unique biodiversity, while also beautify their school grounds,” Ms Reid said.
“Every seedling planted contributes to our One Tree for Me initiative, which aims to establish 65,000 seedlings across the Wagga Urban area by 2026.
“As well as learning about the environment, students enjoy a fun, hands-on experience and can see the results of their efforts for years to come.”
But if you’re not a school student, you can still get involved by attending the community National Tree Day planting taking place at 10am on Sunday 26 July at Lake Albert.
Council’s Environment and Sustainability Team, together with the Parks and Reserves Team, have collaborated to develop a community site for the planting at a quiet corner of Lake Albert Foreshore parkland, off Lakehaven Drive.
The community will help to create a large native garden bed incorporating a stand of existing trees.
The garden will be a mix of trees, shrubs and groundcovers totalling about 700 seedlings.
Numbers are limited this year, so anyone wishing to attend is asked to register online before the day.
Registered volunteers will also enjoy a free lunch, kindly provided by Wagga Wagga City Council and the Lake Albert Rural Fire Brigade.
