The partnership, initiated in 2002, sees local students working closely with Parks Victoria staff to revegetate a parcel of land previously used for farming. The land, donated in 2005 by the school to the state, now forms part of Croajingolong National Park in East Gippsland.

“The project, funded this year through a Parks Victoria Healthy Parks Healthy People grant, saw over seventy chicken wire tree guards constructed and installed by the girls over five Fridays,” said Daryl Burns, local Ranger in Charge. “Plastic tree guards were removed from plants that are now well established, and the site was given a general clean up.”

“In past years there have been large numbers of trees planted; unfortunately some of the hard work has been destroyed by feral deer and other wildlife.”

“It is hoped that the use of more sturdy guards will assist in helping the trees become well established and past the point of being useful to deer.”

“Although the girls will not be around to see the impact that their work is having on the site, a diary has been started that the girls fill in each week. Photos, drawings and details of activities are added to the diary, and this will be passed from group to group so that a bit of background and documentation of the changes of the site can be seen by groups that visit Marshmead into the future.”

“This is a fantastic example of a strong community partnership where everyone involved reaps the benefits. I hope that new students who visit Marshmead can appreciate and have the opportunity to build on the great work done by their predecessors.”