Tree guardian: Elodie, age 14

Describe the personality or look of your tree.

My tree’s name is Aden. They’re pretty small compared to the other trees around them, but they’re bubbly and energetic either way. They love it when their beautiful pink flowers appear and make sure to show them off whenever they can. They love it when birds come to visit and are always happy for a bird to make a home in their branches. However they get a bit annoyed when poo lands on their pristine bark.

 Why is this tree important to you?

This tree is special to me because it is located near to where I live. Throughout lockdown, we have passed it many times on our walks. I also love the flowers this tree produces, pink gum flowers. This makes my tree even more special to me.

 What does a sustainable future look like in Monash?

A sustainable future in Monash to me looks like lots of trees and green spaces, public communal gardens and veggie patches, and lots of living buildings and public centres. Education on recycling, littering and local wildlife could be really cool as well. 

 What are you doing right now to create that future?

At the moment in my family, we have solar panels on our roof, only own one car, have a compost bin, grow our own herbs (although we are hoping to expand to fruits and veggies!) and try hard to use things like beeswax wrap and containers instead of cling film etc. We reuse takeaway containers and plastic bags and have a recycling and soft plastics recycling bin. We hope to have a no-waste Christmas this year and for years to come. We often walk, cycle and use public transport. My parents usually take the train to work. 

 Where is your tree located?

My tree is located on the football oval by Ashwood Netball Club, right by the fence bordering onto High St Road. It is the closest tree to the path on the left, when you’re facing the oval from the crossing. It is past the Ashwood High School billboards to the left. I think it’s a silver gum tree.