Young, green-thumbed volunteers enhance local natural areas

News Update 5 August 2026

Parks and Reserves SPYWA Youth

More than 55 young volunteers rolled up their sleeves during the July school holidays to help restore and enhance local natural areas in the City of the South Perth as part of a community planting program delivered in partnership with the South Perth Youth Network (SPYN).

The program gave participants the opportunity to get out in nature and make new friends, while making a lasting contribution to the environment by planting thousands of native seedlings across two important local habitats.

On 8 July, young volunteers planted 2,300 native seedlings at Lake Douglas in Sir James Mitchell Park. A second planting day was held on 15 July at Sandon Park, Salter Point, where participants planted a further 2,800 seedlings.

Together, the two events resulted in more than 5,000 native plants being added to these natural areas, helping to improve biodiversity, support local ecosystems, and create healthier green spaces for the community and wildlife to enjoy.

The recent school holiday planting events supported by the City formed part of the wider urban greening initiatives undertaken in alignment with the City’s Urban Greening Strategy.

Other similar planting events have been held at Como Secondary College, Curtin Primary School, and Elderfield Wetlands (Activate Children’s Tree Planting Festival). The City also donated over 700 plants to local schools and early learning centres for Schools Tree Day on 24 July 2026.

All these initiatives are aimed to enhance natural areas; increase native vegetation; and help build a more resilient urban environment for future generations. It also highlights the important role young people can play in caring for the environment and strengthen the City’s natural areas for years to come.

Anyone aged 12-25 who lives, studies, works or plays a sport in the City of South Perth is welcome to apply to join the SPYN. SPYN organises local events, volunteering opportunities and meets regularly to discuss the issues that impact young people in the City.