Urban forest celebration
Next date: Sunday, 14 September 2025 | 12:00 PM
to 03:00 PM
A community celebration of trees, nature and biodiversity
Join us for an afternoon of activities, inspiring workshops and opportunities to connect with nature, neighbours and our Parks and Natural Environment Team.
We are celebrating our urban forest because it is so much more than just trees, it is the living, breathing green network woven through our streets, parks, backyards and public spaces. It is an ecosystem that supports wildlife, cools our neighbourhoods, cleans the air and helps us feel more connected to nature and each other.
Help us recognise and celebrate everything this green infrastructure gives us, and how we can all play a part in helping it grow.
What to expect
Full program and times
- 12.00pm: opening and welcome with Councillor Mayor Elizabeth Nealy
- 12.30pm: tree demonstration session on how to pick, plant and prune your new tree (15 mins)
- 1.00pm: nature strip planting and top plant choices for nature strips (15 mins)
- 1.45pm: guided tree walk led by our expert arborist (30 mins)
- 2.30pm: tree demonstration session on how to pick, plant and prune your new tree (repeat of earlier session)
- 3.00pm: event ends
Music
Soak up the atmosphere with chilled live music from local musician Gordon Lewis.
Food and drink
Harrington’s Coffee Love will be serving up coffee and sweet treats and Taco Truck Melbourne will roll in with their popular tacos and burritos.
Food and drinks will be available to purchase on the day.
Canopy corner
Chat with our Urban Forestry Team to explore the benefits of our tree canopy, learn about local tree species and sign up for the Adopt a Tree program to grow your own leafy legacy.
Talk to our Open Space Team about plans for greener, more accessible parks, trails, and reserves.
Discover our Timber Repurposing Program that gives old wood a new life and share your ideas on current open space projects.
Habitat hub
Step into the world of local biodiversity, meet some of our Bush Crew, learn more about planting the nature strip and find out how you can support nature in your own backyard.
Kids nature zone
A space for kids and their parents with fun, hands-on activities that celebrate nature, trees and sustainable living. It is all about inspiring the next generation of nature lovers.
Plants giveaway
We will be giving away free tube stock of local native plants that are perfect for your garden or nature strip.
Guided tree walk
Join one of our arborists for a guided walk through the Sills Bend area, where you will discover some of the beautiful tree species that make up our urban canopy.
Green machine zone
Check out the cool electric gear that is helping us care for parks in a more sustainable way ... and let the kids hop on a big mower for a fun photo.
Adopt a Tree program
Our new Adopt a Tree program launches as part of this event. It will help you grow a more established tree on your property, school or local business.
- Choose from one of 4 tree species.
- Trees will come in 15-25cm pots.
- Collect your adopted tree in autumn/winter 2026, the perfect time for planting.
Be part of our growing urban forest and help green our future, one tree at a time.
Things to know
- Bring a water bottle, reusable cup and bag to keep the festival grounds as fresh and green as the trees we are celebrating.
- A drinking tap is available nearby.
- If you would like to bring your dog, always keep them on a lead and bring bags to clean up after them.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for the guided tree walk, which begins at 1:45 pm and will last around 30 minutes.
- Stay sun safe and bring a hat and wear sunscreen.
- This is a smoke-free, vape-free and alcohol-free event.
When
-
Sunday, 14 September 2025 | 12:00 PM
- 03:00 PM
Location
Event marquees will be set up outside the Warringal Park Oval, on the southeastern corner and diagonally opposite Possum Hollow Playground. Look out for the marquees and the colourful flags.
Accessible public toilets are located across from the Heidelberg Football Netball Club. Portable toilets will also be provided next to the event.
Southeast corner of Warringal Park Oval, Sills Bend, Warringal Parklands, Heidelberg, 3084, View Map
-37.756538414307336, 145.0763871739743
Sills Bend, Warringal Parklands ,
Heidelberg 3084
Southeast corner of Warringal Park Oval
Sills Bend, Warringal Parklands ,
Heidelberg 3084
Urban forest celebration