With a fair number of river red gums along the river in the Dubbo CBD already, we planted native shrubs to provide more understorey vegetation. Native shrubs provide great habitat for small birds and many insects, as well as doing what bigger trees do – help hold the soil together, filter run-off, reduce urban heat, and provide habitat for a range of animals.

The shrubs planted were native blackthorn (Bursaria spinosa), sticky hopbush (Dodenia viscosa), river bottlebrush (Callistemon sieberi), several species of wattles, and spiny saltbush (Rhagodia spinescens). All species are native to the Dubbo area.  

And what better way to finish a working bee than with a reptile show (and lunch)! Wambangalang Environmental Education Centre ran an excellent show teaching us about local reptiles and letting us hold a Murray-Darling Carpet python.

The event was funded by the Jaramas Foundation through Landcare Australia and Mid Macquarie Landcare.