Four reasons to explore some local bushland

21 March - International Day of Forests

A forest by definition is “a large area covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth” and that describes the amazing bigger bushy backyard we all share. We have a couple of different kinds of forest throughout our community, Spotted Gum Forest, Sugarloaf Lowlands Bloodwood-Apple Forest and a Swamp Oak- Rushland Forest, which is also an Endangered Ecological community to name a few.

Forests play a central role in combating the biggest health threat facing humanity: climate change. Healthy forests help keep global warming in check: forests contain 662 billion tonnes of carbon, which is more than half the global carbon stock in soils and vegetation. Forests and trees also help buffer exposure to heat and extreme weather events caused by climate change, which pose a major global health challenge. For example, trees properly placed around buildings cool the air and can cut air conditioning needs by up to 30 percent, also saving energy.

Forests boost our mental and physical health. Spending time in forests increases positive emotions and decreases stress, blood pressure, depression, fatigue, anxiety and tension. Trees in cities also absorb pollutant gases from traffic and industry and filter fine particulates such as dust, dirt and smoke, which help shield urban populations from respiratory diseases.

23 March - National Eucalyptus Day - Gums, gums, glorious gums

If you’ve seen one gum tree have you seen them all? Definitely not and there is handy guide to Gum Trees of Coal Point on the CPPA website that will help you to work out the difference between your Smooth-barked Apple (Corymbia costata) and your Swamp Mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta) and everything in between that lives in our area.

There are detailed pictures of bark, fruit and tree …all the important bits you need to work out which gum you’re gazing at.

25 March Earth Hour 8:30-9:30pm

The Earth Hour theme for 2023 is taking #TimeOutForNature. One of the most inspiring places to Time Out in our area is the well-formed track from the Hunter Water access road at the crest of Whitelocke Street to Rofe Street via Coal Point School’s Naturespace. The walk has some beautiful vistas, amazing trees, and glorious Gahnia groves. It’s about 1km one way.

Trees are the lungs of our planet, and we need them to help reverse the impacts of climate change. Now is the time to press pause and work together to protect nature and restore what we have lost.

So make the time - whether it’s 60 seconds, 60 minutes or beyond the hour - to reflect on the incredible benefits nature provides us and create a better future for people and planet.