Record-breaking 2025 success inspires further community planting program for 2026
Following the phenomenal success of Project SPROUT in 2025, the Wodonga Urban Landcare Network is thrilled to announce the return of our community tree planting initiative with Project SPROUT – Branching Out.
Last year’s Project SPROUT – Sustaining Parks, Restoring our Urban Terrain – exceeded all expectations, with the Wodonga community rallying together to achieve remarkable results:
- 8,666 plants established across the city (73% above target!)
- 217 volunteers from schools, landcare groups and the broader community
- 18 planting sites reconnecting hills, corridors and waterways
- 505 volunteer hours contributed to Wodonga’s green future
- 11 new members joined local landcare groups
- 4,074 people reached through the project
“The community response to Project SPROUT was absolutely incredible,” said Jo Vincent, Network Facilitator at Wodonga Urban Landcare Network. “We set out to plant 5,000 plants across 10 sites, and the enthusiasm and dedication of our volunteers pushed us well beyond those goals. It showed us just how much our community values green spaces and wants to be part of creating a more sustainable Wodonga.”
Building on this momentum, Project SPROUT – Branching Out will run from 1st June finishing on National Tree Day, 26th July 2026, bringing school and community planting events to 18 locations across Wodonga and Baranduda:
- Bears Hill
- Clyde Cameron Reserve
- David Winterbottom Park
- Elmwood Estate
- Ewart Brothers Reserve
- Felltimber Creek
- Federation Hill
- Four Ways (Yarralumla Drive)
- Huon Creek
- Kent McKoy Reserve
- Willow Park
- Wodonga & Bonegilla Rail Trail
Each site will host a community planting day where local residents, families, schools can connect with their local Landcare group and can get their hands dirty planting native trees, shrubs and groundcovers that will create wildlife habitat, improve local biodiversity, and enhance the liveability of our urban landscape.
Project SPROUT – Branching Out is made possible through the generous support of BUPA and Landcare Australia through the Bupa Healthy Cities Landcare Grant program.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support from BUPA and Landcare Australia,” said Jo. “Corporate partnerships like this are essential for delivering landscape-scale environmental projects that make a real difference to our community. The Bupa Healthy Cities program recognizes that healthy cities need healthy green spaces, and we’re proud to be part of making that happen in Wodonga.”
The funding enables the Network to provide all the plants, stakes, guards and materials needed for successful establishment, as well as coordinate the community engagement that makes these projects so powerful.
Whether you participated in 2025’s success or are new to landcare, Project SPROUT – Branching Out welcomes everyone. From families with young children to retirees, students to corporate volunteers, there’s a role for everyone in greening Wodonga.
Specific dates for individual planting events are available on Humanitix here. Community members interested in participating are also encouraged to follow the Wodonga Urban Landcare Network on Facebook or visit our website for updates.
Project SPROUT – Branching Out continues the Network’s mission to:
- Reconnect natural habitats across urban and peri-urban landscapes
- Support threatened species and ecological communities
- Revegetate and widen wildlife corridors
- Create urban forests that improve amenity and liveability
- Enhance community health and wellbeing through outdoor participation
“Every plant that goes in the ground is an investment in Wodonga’s future,” said Jo. “It’s habitat for wildlife, shade for hot summers, cleaner air, and healthier communities. And when we do it together, it builds connections between people and creates a shared sense of stewardship for our local environment.”
Event dates and bookings here.
Follow Wodonga Urban Landcare Network on Facebook or visit wodongalandcare.org.au for updates.
Project SPROUT – Branching Out is proudly supported by BUPA and Landcare Australia