Environment Projects

Karrinyup Rotarians John Thraves and John Burt, who are members of Friends of Star Swamp Bushland, together with Environment Director Dawn Palm recently attended the Friends of Star Swamp Bushland (FOSSB) 40 years celebration at the Henderson Centre. City of Stirling Councillors, Karlo Perkov, Chris Hatten, Tony Krsticevic and former Councillor Karen Caddy were among the sixty odd people in attendance. In his address, FOSSB President David Pike described some of the history and highlights of the group's forty years. A birthday cake decorated with colours represented water and land. Karrinyup Rotary's environment area of focus supports the Friends of Star Swamp Bushland.

During the cooler months, trees are being planted on streets and reserves across the City of Stirling. Friends groups and conservation volunteers are coordinating planting events in bushlands and wetlands. Autumn and winter are the best times for planting. Make a positive change in the community by joining a planting day. Registrations for are open for events in Balga, Dianella, Carine, Mirrabooka, Trigg and Scarborough. Join your neighbours and help green the City for wildlife, habitat and urban canopy.

Eddy Giacomel from the Enviroment team, together with new members Merveen and Sue, represented Karrinyup Rotary at the Rotary Treemission planting project 2024. Rotarians and friends from ten clubs gathered over two productive mornings helping to make our waterways healthier through planting native seedlings. This volunteer opportunity was made possible with SERCUL (South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare) and WA State Government who funded land care projects at Wungong River bushland. See more photos on Facebook.

Kay Durrant introduced Aimee Smith, sustainability and climate change consultant, researcher and community builder at Curtin University, to tell us about the Planet Positive Program. This is an educational pathway for sustainability agency and action, offering all students the opportunity to gain sustainability and climate change skills, knowledge and networks during their time at Curtin, regardless of what they are studying, or what field of expertise they want to pursue. Enrolments in the program can come from students from across the entire university ie from all faculties.

Environment Committee member Ross Daniel introduced David Pike and Christine Curry from Friends of Star Swamp Bushland to give an update on recent developments. Friends of Star Swamp Bushland was formed in 1985 to give a community voice and assist with the management of the Reserve. The bushland provides a breeding site and sanctuary for many bird species and is also an important habitat for many species of reptiles, insects, and spiders. Karrinyup Rotary has provided support to this group for many years. 

John Thraves introduced Rotarian Alan Briggs from E-WA to update us on what has happened at treemission, since his last visit. Treemission is a joint project between National Trust of Western Australia and Rotary to inform Rotarians and their communities about the environment. Alan described some of the goals treemission has achieved including informing Rotarians, school children and community members about what is happening to our environment, what can be done to address those impacts and taking action by tree planting.

Heading into the cooler months and the tail end of the WA Tree Festival, you will soon see trees being planted on streets and reserves across the City of Stirling. Similarly, the conservation planting programs are about to start in the stunning bushlands and wetlands. If you would like to get involved and help build a greener City, now is the time to get onboard. Registrations are now open for residents for events in May and June.

They may be small, but microgreens are easy to grow and pack a real punch when it comes to taste and valuable nutrients. Microgreens are just leafy vegetables or herbs that are harvested when they're young. They're packed with nutrients and add a great pop of flavour and colour to any dish. Even if you don’t have much room in your garden, you can always grow them on an indoor windowsill. They’re quick and easy to grow from seed.

Dawn Palm introduced Rotarian Alan Briggs to speak about Treemission, a tree planting conservation initiative. This Rotary District 9450 program, aims to improve the environment by planting trees to offset carbon emissions and rehabilitate the earth. The concept is to encourage people to make a commitment to address climate change and plant trees to offset their contribution to green house gases and global warming. Treemission aims to inform Rotarians, school children and community members about what is happening to our environment, what can be done to address those impacts and taking action by planting tree to ameliorate those impacts.

Wondering how you can turn over a new leaf? The City of Stirling is here to help with some simple sustainable initiatives to help care for the environment and the community. From tree planting to sustainable travel and home sustainability advice, they have you covered with a range of rebates and support. Check out the Living Green program on the City of Stirling website.

RC Karrinyup’s new Earth Committee is charged with caring for the environment in ways, which will bring about positive change in the world. Members recently attended a social event seeking to collaborate with Friends of Trigg Bushland. We look forward to hearing a presentation at a club meeting very soon, as we work with them to achieve our common goals.

Rotary International President Ian Riseley has challenged every Rotarian to plant at least one tree before Earth Day on Sunday 22nd April 2018. RC Karrinyup held a tree planting day at Carine Open Space in September. The Great Green Crusade features in the December/January issue of Rotary Down Under with our own Peter Durrant and Mac Horsnell included in the photo spread. If you missed it in RDU, check it out.