The City of Casey is calling for residents to help lead the way in protecting Casey’s native wildlife by becoming a Gardens for Wildlife volunteer.
The council has partnered with the Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne and local environment groups to deliver the statewide Gardens for Wildlife program, which encourages residents to get involved in caring for the local environment by improving their own gardens, which improves habitats for native animals.
Local volunteers will be trained to assess gardens in their community and provide personalised advice on things like weed removal or planting of indigenous species to improve habitat.
Residents interested in becoming Gardens for Wildlife volunteers are encouraged to attend an information evening on Thursday 18 February. There will also be ongoing opportunities for volunteers to connect with one another and receive assistance as needed.
City of Casey chair of administrators Noelene Duff urged residents with an interest in gardens and indigenous wildlife to apply.
“You don’t need to be an experienced gardener or have any specialist knowledge. All training will be provided by staff from the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne and the City of Casey and you will be supported to do home garden visits in your community,” said Ms Duff.
“By showing people what actions they can take in their own garden, Gardens for Wildlife empowers people to make a lasting difference to support the local environment and ensure local plants and animals thrive today and into the future.
“As part of council’s revegetation strategy, we are committed to planting 20,000 native plants on council land. Of course, in between council land there are many front gardens and backyards which are a vital link to creating wildlife corridors across Casey and across the state.
“This innovative program is proof that individuals really can make a big difference when we work together towards a common goal.”
Information on registering to become a volunteer and how to attend the volunteer information evening is available on our website at www.casey.vic.gov.au/g4w.
