More trees to beautify trail

Kia Hawkins, Anne Fitzpatrick and Kellie Gee are calling on cyclists to help beautify the area near the Warburton Trail in Wesburn. 154235 Picture: ROB CAREW

By JESSE GRAHAM

LOVERS of the Warburton Trail are being invited to give back to the area and help put more than 1000 plants in the ground in an event on 5 June.
On Sunday 5 June, Yarra Ranges Landcare Network will be hosting a Landcare for Cyclists day in Station Road, Wesburn.
Along the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail, landcare volunteers and visitors will work from 10.30am to 2.30pm, planting 1500 indigenous trees, grasses and shrubs.
Facilitator Anne Fitzpatrick told the Mail that the event followed a similar format to its Landcare for Singles events, only this would be more open for families, cyclists and green thumbs of all backgrounds.
“We’re hoping for families, singles, couples, lycra or not,” she said.
She said the event would also celebrate World Environment Day, and would be a chance for residents to offset their carbon footprint and get exercise by walking or cycling along the trail to the planting.
Visitors can take the easy route, by cycling 1.6 kilometres from Millgrove to Wesburn, cycling 4.9km from Warburton or tackling nearly all the trail and riding 35.2km from Lilydale station.
Ms Fitzpatrick said visitors should dress for winter weather and bring a raincoat, gardening gloves and a water bottle.
She said that she hoped at least 60 people would turn up on the day, and that the planting would be an opportunity to beautify the area along the trail.
The Lions Club of Lilydale will provide lunch, and dietary requirements can be sent to organisers via the registration form at www.yarrarangeslandcare.org.au.
The planting site’s Melways map reference is 289, A7.
For more information, call Anne Fitzpatrick on 0488 766 113 or email landcare@yrl.org.au.