Getting Our Hands Dirty for a Greener Ryde!
What a fantastic morning we had at Greenwood Park, Ryde, for our Rotary tree planting morning. Ryde Rotary regularly supportes Ryde Council Parks & Open Spaces to restore native ecosystems right here in our community! With gloves on and pick axes in hand, our volunteers came together to continue regenerating Greenwood Park. We were thrilled to see so many students and parents from Marsden Highschool join us. Today’s efforts focussed on planting native peach, native coffee, native grasses, and ground covers.
Why These Natives?
Native Peach (Quandong): This little beauty has been part of Australia’s story for thousands of years. Known for its bright red fruit, it’s a natural food source for birds, pollinators, and people too! Planting it means more shade, more biodiversity, and a taste of Australia’s bush heritage.
Native Coffee (Coffee Bush): No, it won’t fuel your morning flat white, but it’s a favourite of local birdlife. Its berries attract everything from figbirds to green catbirds, helping keep the food chain ticking over.
Native Grasses & Ground Covers: Our mix of grasses and low-growing natives (yes, even the bindi-like ones – but the friendly kind!) help protect the soil, reduce erosion, and provide safe little hideouts for insects, lizards, and other small creatures. Together they make the bushland stronger and healthier.
Community + Nature = Win-Win
It’s always a joy to see so many hands pitching in, from digging holes, adding water crystals and clearing a mulberry bush to make way for the next wave of native bush regeneration. Every shrub and tree we planted today adds to the bigger picture: more greenery, better habitat for wildlife, and a more beautiful Greenwood Park for everyone to enjoy.
A huge thank you to all our volunteers and special shout-out to the Marsden Highschool students who showed up bright and early at 8am. You’ve not only planted trees but had real impact for a green future.