feature from seedlings to forests: western australia’s first urban shade project grows to life

On Saturday we joined our partners, Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA), at a community planting event in recognition of National Tree Day and to celebrate Western Australia’s first Urban Shade Forest project visibly sprouting to life at two urban reserves in Rockingham.

Together with downstream colleagues from Caltex, Member for Rockingham, Magenta Marshall MLA, Rockingham Mayor, Cr Deb Hamblin and more than 80 community volunteers, we rolled up our sleeves to build upon last month’s community planting efforts and reach our goal of planting more than 4,500 native plants between May and June this year. 

The Urban Shade Forest project, is an initiative dedicated to increasing tree canopy cover in built-up urban spaces, strengthening biodiversity, reconnecting people to nature, and creating suburbs with more green spaces that are cooler and more resilient.

During the event, Chevron Australia Asset Development General Manager, Michelle LaPoint, highlighted the strong partnership and commitment to environmental stewardship that we share with CVA. 

“Chevron has partnered with CVA for more than 17 years and this national initiative provides yet another opportunity to build on the efforts and successes we’ve already achieved with CVA.

"The Rockingham Urban Shade Forest not only connects the local community with nature, but it also aims to build biodiversity and increase the amount of vegetation and canopy cover in the area.” 

Michelle La Point
Chevron Australia General Manager Asset Development

CVA project manager, Teresa Gustowski, said the community showed up in force to help bring the Rockingham Urban Shade Forest to life, demonstrating a strong interest in urban greening and importantly, the power of collective action.

"Our final event of the season was our biggest yet and provided plenty of options for volunteers to connect with their community and our incredible urban green spaces.”  

The day featured kids’ nature crafts, a wildlife display, a bee hotel building workshop, and a native plant giveaway alongside the planting activity. 

By participating in the project, community members had the opportunity to make a positive difference in their local environment, connect with their neighbours and learn about the importance and benefits of urban shade forests.  

Stay tuned for more information about the rollout of CVA’s Urban Shade Forest project, which is set to sprout in South Australia and Queensland next.

Opportunities to volunteer with Conservation Volunteers Australia are happening across Australia throughout the year - find a location near you to get involved.