From little things, big things grow

Published 9 August 2017

Students from Mandurah Baptist College at Lakelands have put their green thumbs to work again on the 10th anniversary of the annual Lakelands School Tree Planting Day.

The 1,500 seedlings planted this year brings the 10-year total to more than 18,000 seedlings  planted by more than 4,000 students and volunteers.

The 1,500 seedlings were grown and nurtured by Year 11 students and planted by youngsters from years 3 to 6. The high school students then joined other volunteers on the day and mentored the younger students as they planted the young trees at Black Swan Lake.

For students like Ariana Baty, it was a chance to do something good for the environment – and have some fun in the mud!  And Jenson Maskell agrees.

“Planting trees is important because it helps the environment and this gives us oxygen from the plants and trees. It also taught me how to help dad in the garden,” Jenson explained.

Mandurah Baptist College Head of Science Peter Crouch said the school was very appreciative of the support it receives from Peet and local groups like the Men of Trees.

“By integrating the planting and nurturing of the seedlings into the curriculum, it really gives the Year 11s ownership of the project,” Mr Crouch said.

“The school has a long connection with Black Swan Lake, holding our cross country event there for many years,” said Mr Crouch. “Science classes also go there to study lake ecosystems and environments, so the location for the tree planting is ideal.”