Merri-bek has a remarkable diversity of indigenous plants and animals as well as sites with remnant vegetation, especially along our creeks and waterways.
These sites provide critical habitat for many fauna species including reptiles, native birds and possums. They are also sites that are historically and culturally significant to Merri-bek, contributing to the character of our landscape and our sense of place.
You can support a more diverse, connected and resilient natural environment where native birds and animals thrive and where residents explore, value and connect with nature.
Tree for Me
The Tree for Me program is here to help you plant more trees in homes, schools and retirement communities.
We’re making it easier for people to learn about the benefits of tree planting, which trees to plant where and how to plant and nurture new trees.
Trees support people, nature and place in many ways:
- Trees cool our neighbourhoods, provide shade and create more comfortable places during hot days.
- Planting trees supports wellbeing, learning outcomes for children, and stronger community connections.
- Trees give back by providing food and shelter for people and local wildlife, now and into the future.
My Smart Garden
My Smart Garden is a multi-Council sustainable gardening program that helps you to adapt to a changing climate and resource scarcity by turning your outdoor spaces – backyards, front yards, balconies, courtyards or pots – into productive, functional gardens.
The program is free for residents, residents, schools, community groups and businesses and promotes ‘smart gardening’ through workshops, events, online resources, incentives and community connections.
You will receive seasonal gardening tips, advice, invitations to events competitions and more by signing up to the monthly My Smart Garden newsletter
Nature programs
Learn about local plants and animals and get involved with Council programs to connect and bring more nature into your life including:
- Nature Play – How and where to enjoy playing in Merri-bek’s parks and nature reserves.
- Citizen Science – Brings people and science together, to create a better future for our community and environment.
- Gardens for Wildlife – Free program to promote caring for nature through habitat gardening.
- Community greening programs – Get your hands dirty and contribute to your local environment.
- School programs for environmental education – Merri-bek subsidises a number of environmental education and action programs.
