In 1888, Sir Henry Parkes opened Centennial Park, bringing to fruition an extraordinary asset for the whole community. Over the subsequent 119 years, Centennial Parklands has grown to encompass more than 360 hectares of land in the heart of a growing cosmopolitan city providing the community with room to move, fresh air and a space to play.

The Parklands has a planted population of approximately 15,000 trees, comprising 200 species (including native and exotic).

The challenge

The effects of drought, old age and urban impacts have taken their toll on many of these trees. Reports by independent arborists and the Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust (Trust) estimate that around 60% of these trees will need to be replaced over the next 40 years.

More immediately, about 2,000 of these old trees including Port Jackson figs and various pines will need to be removed over the next 10 years (an expected 3,000 trees will need to be planted in their place).

Trees tagged to be replaced will have reached the end of their safe useful life expectancy (SULE) and have no prospect of being managed back to a healthy condition.

The program

The Trust takes a planned approach to managing its trees. It has developed a strong Tree Asset Management System complemented by a comprehensive Tree Replacement Program, based on its Tree Master Plan (Plan). The Plan sets out strategies for conserving the existing tree population and provides a framework for sensitively integrating new plantings into the Parklands' historic fabric.

The Plan has identified that up to 200 new trees need to be planted each year over the next 10 - 20 years to maintain the tree populations in the Parklands. Gradual removal of the affected tress will commence in stages over the next few years - with those identified as being in the worst condition (and/or hazardous to park visitors) will be removed first.

The Parklands needs your help

Replacing trees at the rate required to maintain a healthy tree population is an expensive undertaking. With the Trust now required to raise approximately 90% of its operating budget, this program represents a great opportunity for the whole community to get involved in caring for their Parklands and ensuring this wonderful asset is there for future generations to enjoy.

How you can help

You can become involved in future plantings in Centennial Parklands through the work of the Centennial Parklands Foundation. The Foundation is a charitable organisation established by the Trust to raise funds to support projects with an environmental and educational purpose.

You can help by:

• Adopting a tree;
• Making a bequest;
• Joining our volunteer program;
• Making a donation; or
• Dedicating a park bench.

For more information contact the Foundation on (02) 9339 6699 or visit www.yourparklands.org.au