The Carman’s Trees for Bees Community Tree Grants program will provide a total of $10,500 to 21 community groups across seven states, including schools, environmental groups, Landcare organisations, kindergartens, a Rotary club, a wildlife rehabilitation centre, a nursery, a language group and a public parks committee.

Grant recipients have pledged to plant about 3,300 trees and shrubs with the involvement of nearly 6,000 community members.

The Community Tree Grants program is a collaboration between the Wheen Bee Foundation and Carman’s and offers grants of $500 to community organisations to plant pollinator-friendly trees and shrubs in their local area.

Other grant recipients included Northern Suburbs Community Landcare in southeast Tasmania, Parkes Wiradjuri Language Group in Central West NSW, Evelyn Scott School in Denman Prospect ACT and Monkey Bars PreKindy in WA.

Moyston Public Parks Committee, a volunteer group that maintains local land and infrastructure in Victoria’s Western district will plant 250 trees and shrubs to build a native community garden.

President Max McLean said the project would provide habitat for bees and other pollinating insects while also encouraging connection in the small rural community.

“A great deal of natural habitat for bees and other pollinators has been lost in Moyston through agriculture, pollution, non-native species and disease,” Mr McLean said.

“We’re an agricultural community that relies heavily on pollinators so it’s critical we build a safe place for them to live and thrive.

“The benefits reach beyond the bees. Living rurally can be isolating and the new community garden will create new connections.

“I can’t wait to see our young people get together, get outside and get planting.”

Wheen Bee Foundation CEO Fiona Chambers said nurturing connection is another focus of the Community Tree Grants.

“Now in its second year, the grants are really gaining momentum,” Ms Chambers said.

“To see such a wide range of community groups apply for these grants shows a real understanding of how vital bees and other pollinators are to our ecosystem.

“We are proud to provide support to these groups and help launch their pollinator-friendly projects.”

Carman’s Founder Carolyn Creswell said Carman’s is thrilled to be working with the Wheen Bee Foundation again on such an important program for Australian bee populations and local communities.

“What I love most about this program is seeing the impact it has on both a community level, bringing people together for the planting days, and on a bigger level supporting the pollination of crops for Aussie farmers,” Ms Creswell said.

Seaview High School in Adelaide’s southern suburbs is home to Mars, Not an Option, an environmental club for Year 7-10 students. These students will use their grant to plant 140 pollinator-friendly trees and shrubs around the school oval.

Head of the club and teacher Abby Macpherson said she was encouraged by the support from the Wheen Bee Foundation and Carman’s to help students create a vibrant nature corridor dedicated to bees and other important pollinators.

“The new plants will improve biodiversity, soil health and serve as an important learning tool for the students and the wider school,” Ms Macpherson said.

“The club is excited to turn their passion into action and teach more people about the vital role bees and pollinators play in a healthy ecosystem.”

The individual planting projects will begin in the coming weeks, with the majority of projects expected to be completed by 31 October 2024.

The next round of Community Tree Grants will open on 19 May 2025. To register your interest in the next round, visit wheenbeefoundation.org.au/our-work/projects/community-tree-grants/

For the full list of recipients visit wheenbeefoundation.org.au/communitytreegrants