The planting of the native sedges, rushes, grasses, shrubs and trees along a section of the river near the Bong Bong Bike Track in December is designed to help improve the health and habitat of the watercourse.

The two-day mass planting project follows similar work undertaken by the school as part of its annual “Holting” program.

Deputy Headmaster of Frensham Geoff Marsh said that the school was a keen supporter of initiatives which helped improve habitat values of significant landscapes within the Southern Highlands.

Frensham students have played a pivotal role in the revitalisation of a number of environmentally sensitive local areas in the past with the planting excursion becoming a regular part of the school’s annual end of year activities.

This planting will further complement the efforts of volunteers who planted native species at the Burradoo-end of the track in October as part of National Tree Day and the Wall to Wollondilly Project (W2W).

The Wingecarribee River planting project is supported by Council’s Environment Levy with assistance from volunteers at Council’s Moss Vale Community Nursery who have supplied the plants. Council’s dedicated Bushcare Team will also assist the students over the course of the project to help provide a great learning experience.

Landholders along the river will be further encouraged and supported to remove invasive weeds such as blackberry and willows, fence the river from stock, encourage natural regeneration and monitor native species such as the Platypus.

Weather permitting the Wingecarribee River planting project will take place over December 5 and 6.

For more information on Council organised community environment events visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/environment/get-involved/environmental-events.

To learn more about the Wall to Wollondilly project, visit www.greeningaustralia.org.au/project/wall-to-wollondilly-project-w2w.