First kindy to nominate a Tree of the Month

Somerton Park Kindergarten is the first preschool to nominate a tree for our Tree of the Month initiative since it began in 2021 – a special choice for our February tree.

The spotted gum is estimated to be up to 70 years old, making it roughly the same age as the kindergarten itself. Preschool director Emily Wilkins said the tree is deeply loved by the kindy’s children, parents and staff.

“Last year, we redesigned the logo for our kindergarten, which actually features our gum tree – the children are really invested in it.

“It brings lots of shade into our yard, and they notice things. We had a big storm that came through, and they noticed that rubbish was being caught in the tree. We’ve been talking about that and looking at our role in sustainability and why we put our rubbish in the bin and what we can do.

“We also get lots of beautiful birdlife in there. We’ve got resident magpies that visit us and rainbow lorikeets in the tree.”

As well, Emily said the tree sheds its bark once a year, creating rich opportunities for creative play. “The children will collect and gather that bark together and use it in their arts and craft. They’ll paint with it, use it for potion-making, all sorts.”

Each spring, yellow-white blossoms from the tree blanket the ground, attracting bees. A relief teacher, who is also a beekeeper, further educates the children about the vital role bees play in pollinating plants.

While families may occasionally have questions about gum trees near children, Emily said any risks are carefully managed through site-specific risk assessments, annual tree audits, regular pruning and maintenance, and fencing off half the yard during inclement weather.

Our Tree of the Month initiative, launched five years ago, aims to raise awareness of the many benefits trees offer, including providing shade, clean air, wildlife habitat and a stronger connection to nature within the local community.