When the fires swept through the area in south-west Sydney, 40 acres of local bushland surrounding Mona’s home in Oakdale were burned. Many trees, plants and animals were affected, with surviving wildlife moving closer to their home to seek shelter. They decided to rebuild and replenish habitat by planting native species such as Waratahs and Bottlebrushes.
Over 2020, they began to notice wildlife slowly returning, particularly birdlife. Their efforts were rewarded with the reappearances of Australian King Parrots, Scarlet Honeyeaters, Eastern Spinebills, Superb Fairy Wrens, Little Wattlebirds and New Holland Honeyeaters. “The variety of native birds we are getting is amazing!”
Since then, the area has continued to flourish thanks to ongoing care and further upgrades, including a treat for pollinators. “We've added some bug, wasp and bee hotels to help encourage native species and pollinators to the environment.”
After the fires came an unexpected amount of rain, which assisted with rapid plant growth across the area. Mona has planted hundreds of native trees, shrubs and grasses over the years and has since lost the original bush tracks surrounding her home as new shrub and tree shoots has recovered the landscape. “Even the tube stock (Banksias, Acacias, Bottle brushes and Tea trees) we planted back in 2020 are all over 3 meters + tall and growing!”
Mona’s story highlights the important role individuals and communities can play in native regeneration, and the joy that comes from nurturing local wildlife. By choosing native species and creating habitat at home, she has helped transform a fire-affected landscape into a thriving ecosystem.
Planting native trees, shrubs, and grasses in your own backyard can help restore a more natural habitat and better support local wildlife. Together, small actions can grow into lasting change. Plant at home or join a National Tree Day site near you this year.
If you would live to share your tree stories, email us at treeday@planetark.com or tag @nationaltreeday on Instagram and Facebook.