Seedlings for Schools
Applications open 2 June 2025 and close 30 June 2025 for plantings in July or August 2026.
Schools will be notified about the outcome of applications in Term 4, 2025.
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Council’s Seedlings for Schools program donates indigenous seedlings (locally evolved species) to plant on the school grounds. Schools select from themed boxes to create various wildlife habitat gardens, bush-tucker gardens, or windbreaks. These themed boxes can contain a mix of species of trees, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers, and/or groundcovers.
The seedlings are delivered to schools in late July (beginning of Term 3). Your school could then take part in Schools National Tree Day.
Since 2014, 59,000 seedlings have been planted by students to increase habitat for native wildlife, beautify the school, and create outdoor classrooms.
All primary schools and secondary colleges located in Hume City are eligible to apply.
Schools are eligible to apply each year.
The seedlings come in boxes; each box contains 54 tubestock with one of each species labelled. Up to 10 boxes can be requested.
Fact sheets are provided for each species in the themed boxes:
Council places seedling orders with nursery suppliers in August and the seedlings are grown over summer. Schools receive their seedling order in late July the following year.
Schools can use these seedlings to participate in Council’s Gardens for Wildlife program. The Urban Biodiversity Officer and trained volunteer Garden Guides conduct garden visits with students to identify planting sites and habitat projects. Advice on site preparation is offered.
Instructions for using iNaturalist are also available, so students can monitor the plants and contribute to citizen science.
If you have questions about the Seedlings for Schools program or need help with your application, please contact Council's Urban Biodiversity Officer at melissado@hume.vic.gov.au or 9205 2200.