Earth Hour Honoured by Re-establishing Threatened Habitat
Published on 03 April 2025
In a community-driven effort to restore native habitat, local residents, children, and neighbours of Jordan’s Crossing Reserve, Bundanoon, came together for a planting event in honour of Earth Hour and recognition of National Eucalypt Day.
The event focused on re-vegetating and extending a patch of a threatened ecological community called Southern Highlands Shale Woodlands (SHSW) and planting feed trees for the iconic Glossy black-cockatoo.
A total of 120 trees and 360 shrubs were planted. By planting a diverse range of native vegetation, volunteers contributed to the conservation of SHSW and Glossy black-cockatoos, and contributed to increasing habitat for local wildlife, including native birds and smalls mammals.
This planting event was part of Earth Hour, a global movement that raises awareness of climate change and environmental conservation. While Earth Hour is often associated with switching off lights, it also inspires practical action, such as habitat restoration, to combat biodiversity loss. The initiative at Jordan’s Crossing Reserve reinforced the message that small, local efforts can make a significant impact on global environmental health.
A special touch to the event was the use of tree guards decorated by children during three library events and by students from Exeter Public School. These colourful guards added a personal and artistic element to the replanting effort, symbolising the community’s commitment to caring for their local environment.
Beyond ecological benefits, the event fostered a strong sense of community. Participants worked together to enhance local green spaces, strengthening social bonds and encouraging ongoing environmental stewardship. The success of this event highlights the power of collective action in addressing environmental challenges. As efforts continue, replanting and caring for native habitats will contribute to a healthier, more resilient Southern Highlands for future generations.
If you want to know more about the Southern Highland Shale Woodland project, please check out our webpage..
Each year, the Sustainable Us Community Education program hosts multiple events. If you’d like to join us next time, be sure to sign up for our e-newsletter to ensure you don't miss out.