Melbourne Youth Plant Seedlings to Support Habitat for Birds

On 25 May, a group of youth, parents and youth leaders from the Melbourne suburb of Craigieburn planted over 400 seedlings in support of a Hume City Council’s green initiative.  

The volunteers are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has a rich history of serving in the community through outreach programs, humanitarian aid, and community service projects. 

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Latter-day Saints believe that the earth and all things on it are the creations of God, and that human beings are accountable for the care and preservation of the earth and the wise use of its resources. 

It was a chilly morning, but the sun was shining, and spirits were high as the work began. 

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Tulu Lauti a volunteer church youth leader, helped to coordinate the project. 

One of the City Council’s urban biodiversity officers, Melissa D, coached the group through the process, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all who came along. After Melissa’s demonstration of planting, watering, and protecting the seedlings with stakes and green plastic covering, the team set out and got to planting. 

As 13-year-old Tyra was planting her first tree, she exclaimed, “We are saving the planet!”  

While on the other side of the creek, Khavarn,14, stacked empty plant pots into a creative tower.   

“We are doing our bit for the environment. One plant at a time,” Khavarn said happily. 

Melissa told the group, “You may not feel like you did much but just look out at all those green plastic triangles. That’s a lot!”  

After a few photos and some BBQ provided by the City Council, Melissa thanked the group and, pointing to the newly planted seedlings, said, “A few of the native birds being targeted in these initiatives were hanging around the trailer. Now, in five or so years, they will have a habitat to thrive in.” 

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One of the younger children who attended the project, Charity, asked her father, “Daddy, can we come back to see our plants so we can make sure the environment is good for the birds?”  

It was the hope of parents and youth leaders that this event would not be simply another service project but also an opportunity to better appreciate the creations of God and work with others in the community” to be better stewards of the environment.  

For more ways members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints work with others to care for the earth, see here.