By Michael Doran
Yarra Ranges Landcare Network is hosting a novel way of combining two passions – looking after the environment and meeting that someone special.
Landcare for Singles organiser Anne Fitzpatrick from Yarra Ranges Landcare Network described the event as ‘speed planting’ or ‘do you plant here often?’
It will run from 10am to 2.30pm on Sunday 16 September at Coronation Park in Healesville.
“The day is about having fun, meeting new people and getting down and dirty while enhancing the Watts River environment,” Ms Fitzpatrick said.
“Even if you don’t meet your match, at least you will feel fantastic for having done something for your local environment.”
She revealed that she met her own partner of three years at a Landcare for Singles event, so anything was possible on that front.
On the planting front, there will be help for novices, and speed planting with a new partner and a new plant every eight minutes will ensure a steady stream of new people to meet.
After the environment has been taken care of, a free lunch is promised with the chance to mingle and perhaps tend to the matters of the heart.
Ms Fitzpatrick told the Mail that women usually showed up in greater numbers, but she hoped that adding a gumboot tossing activity would encourage more men to get involved.
Partnering on the event is Yarra Ranges Council and Organic Fusions, an organisation specialising in hosting activities that bring together people to share their passions with like-minded new faces while doing something they both enjoy.
Participants must be aged 18 years or over and have a moderate fitness level.
Registration is required for catering purposes at www.yarrarangeslandcare.org.au or on Facebook.
Plants, food and company are provided. Participants just need to bring wet-weather gear, a hat, sturdy footwear, water and optimism.
