Many cities and towns worldwide have begun
to appreciate the social and economical benefits of urban tree cover, wetlands
and green spaces. Much research has been performed to quantify the value of
urban trees, and governments and administrators are beginning to see trees as
assets rather than an inconvenience.
Trees are part of the fabric of Drouin and in
the past the town has been blessed with creative and forward thinking parks and
gardens staff of the Buln Buln Shire. Planted trees on nature strips and in
parks and reserves have been wonderfully integrated with the remnant indigenous
species and many private gardens further enhance the beauty of our urban
landscape.
Rapid urban development however is placing
many of Drouin’s treescapes under threat.
The Baw Baw Significant Tree Strategy is a
collaborative process between The Committee for Drouin, Council staff, and
members of Landcare, the local history group and the community. The object is
to identify and quantify individual trees, groups of trees and vegetation
considered to be valuable and that contribute to the livability of Drouin.
As part of the strategy, a Significant
Trees Register has been initiated and to date over 200 citations of trees of
significance have been achieved with many of the individual citations covering
multiple trees. An estimated several thousand trees have been identified as
important to Drouin.
Our trees help to provide a beautiful and healthy
place in which to live. They are valuable as wildlife habitat and many of
Drouin’s trees have links with our history and culture.
This
article was contributed by The Significant Trees of Drouin project team.