AFTER community members spent over a decade transforming the landscape of Penola’s Greenrise Lake, the site’s arboretum was officially opened on June 4.
The opening of the Greenrise Arboretum was proudly celebrated by Greenrise Advisory Committee members, WattleRange Council representatives and Penola residents.
The arboretum has been a 17 year process for the hard working committee and many volunteers.
The 12 acre enclosure features around 120 species of native trees and plants, providing residents and visitors with a tranquil, picturesque environment to explore.
There is currently 1.2km of completed walkways with trees and plants identified and labelled for the interest of visitors.
Committee chairman Brendan Provis said the development of Greenrise was a combined effort with strong support from the local council, community members and the Penola Lions Club.
“The seed for the trees was grown in the tree nursery in Penola, which was planted with the help of the community,” Mr Provis said.
“I must thank the council for their staff and equipment, making the area accessible to the public and the entire committee, for all they contributed to the end result.”
Committee secretary Ian Harrison said the arboretum would continue to evolve over time.
“The arboretum may be open, but we still have further plans and ideas to enforce in the future,” he said.
“Some of these ideas include seating and picnic tables.”
He said the area would benefit all ages and aimed to further connect residents to nature by highlighting native trees and plants.
“There are some very old trees in here with plenty of character so we installed the posts to give visitors an insight to these natural wonders.”
Wattle Range Council mayor Peter Gandolfi said the arboretum enhanced the already scenic area and its construction was truly a team effort with the help of volunteers.
“The arboretum is in a lovely location, and it is great to see such wonderful enthusiasm from the community here today,” Mr Gandolfi said.
He said a lot of great work and drive had been put into its creation.
“The area has been developed into a beautiful outdoor space for the community to enjoy,” Mr Gandolfi said.
“It is great to see so many people here in support of the opening, and we all now have the ability to enjoy this wonderful space.”
