Trail promotes hidden benefits of Gordon’s trees
Published on 23 December 2024
Launched for the summer school holidays, the Killior'ra Tree Trail allows residents to learn about 18 trees during a 30-minute walk.
Did you know that a 18m tall fig tree, in a single year, delivers enough oxygen to allow a person to breath for 65 days?
Or that a 41m tall Sydney Blue Gum has the same annual cooling effect as running an air conditioner for six years, along with delivering the same level of shade as 175 beach umbrellas?
These are some of the fun facts revealed on a new guided ‘tree trail’ which will help Ku-ring-gai residents learn more about significant trees in Gordon.
Starting at Gordon’s St Johns Avenue, the trail includes signage which identifies individual tree species located in public places, along with a link to a web page where more information can be found.
People walking the trail will be able to view Sydney Blue Gum and Turpentine trees. These two trees are remnants of critically endangered ecological communities. Other tree species featured include the Sydney Red Gum, Old Man Banksia and Scribbly Gum.
Ku-ring-gai Mayor Christine Kay said the trail would allow residents to better understand the hidden benefits that trees provide for everyday life.
“While it’s widely appreciated that trees provide a more attractive urban environment, what’s less known is the essential role they play delivering in a liveable and healthy community,” Mayor Kay said.
“This tree trail helps bring this information to life in a way which is interesting and engaging and also encourages residents to get outdoors for some exercise.
“I encourage Ku-ring-gai residents, and visitors to our area to enjoy this tree trail over the summer holidays and beyond.
“In addition, it’s great to hear that local schools and their students will be involved using the trail as a learning environment as part of their curriculum.”
Killior’ra is the local indigenous name for the Turpentine. In 2022/23, around 45% of urban areas in Ku-ring-gai were covered by tree canopy.
More information can be found at krg.nsw.gov.au/treetrail
Caption: A Small-leaved fig tree on the road verge outside St John’s Cemetery at Gordon
ends
Media contact: media@krg.nsw.gov.au or 9424 0000