Seedlings for Schools
Applications are now closed
Council’s Seedlings for Schools program donates indigenous seedlings to schools to plant on the school grounds. Schools can select from local native species of trees, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers and groundcovers to plant in either Term 2 (May/June) or for Schools National Tree Day (late July).
45,000 seedlings have been planted by students that increase habitat for native wildlife and enhance outdoor classrooms.
Who can apply?
All primary schools and secondary colleges located in Hume City are eligible to apply.
Schools are eligible to apply each year.
80 per cent of schools in Hume have received free seedlings as part of the program.
What is provided?
The native seedlings come in foam boxes containing 54 tubestock with each species labelled. Fact sheets are available for each species and educational resources for citizen science monitoring will also be provided. Your school can select from local native species of trees, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers and groundcovers; or Council staff can select the appropriate species for your school.
Seedlings for Schools orders are placed in November with the seedlings grown over summer. Schools collect their order from Western Plains Flora in Wildwood. You can choose to pick-up and plant the seedlings in either Term 2 (May) or for Schools National Tree Day (July).
Schools can also use these seedlings to participate in Council’s Gardens for Wildlife program. The Urban Biodiversity Officer and trained volunteer Garden Guides will conduct biodiversity audits with students to identify possible planting sites and garden themes. Advice on site preparation, species selection and wildlife habitat creation are also offered.
Who can I contact if I need help with or to discuss my application?
If you have questions about the Seedlings for Schools program or need help with your application, please contact Council's Urban Biodiversity Officer at melissado@hume.vic.gov.au or on 9205 2466.