Planting Simes Bridge

Our final community tree planting for the Rainforest to River Project’s Spring planting season returns to where it all began: Simes Bridge.

Simes Bridge is one of 16 sites being restored through the Rainforest to River project, helping reconnect native vegetation and create stronger habitat corridors through Lismore.

Wilsons River Landcare, Lismore City Council and the Rainforest to River project partners will be spending a relaxed Sunday afternoon planting trees on the bank of the Wilsons River, restoring riparian rainforest on the edge of town. We'll be planting 500+ native rainforest plants, holes will be pre-dug, and trees and mulch will be laid out and ready. All you need to do is show up and plant!

A couple of hours can make a difference that lasts for decades.

What to bring
• Gloves, boots, hat, long sleeves and pants
• Sun and insect protection
• BYO water bottle
• Trowel or hand planting tools if you’d prefer not to use your hands

 Sunscreen, insect repellent and light refreshments are provided.

On the day
• Please arrive for an Acknowledgement of Country at 2pm and sign in upon arrival
• This site is on Widjabul Wia-bal Country, cared for by the Wilsons River Landcare group
• The site is not readily wheelchair accessible
• Activities include tubestock tree planting requiring crouching/ kneeling, walking over uneven and steep ground, spreading hay or woodchip mulch, collecting empty pots, staking planted trees with bamboo stakes.
• Nearest public toilets: Browns Creek/Clyde Campbell Carpark Lismore

 This event will be postponed in the case of wet weather.
 All welcome: no experience needed!

This event is presented by Lismore City Council, Wilsons River Landcare and Richmond Riverkeeper as part of the Rainforest to River Project, funded by the Australian Government's Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program.
For more information, contact the Environmental Strategies team on 02 6625 0500 or council@lismore.nsw.gov.au

This event is offered as part of the Richmond RiverFest, a month-long community celebration of the rivers, cultures and communities of the Northern Rivers. Presented by Richmond Riverkeeper, the festival brings together Custodians, community groups, conservation organisations, artists and educators to honour our river systems through storytelling, family friendly events and a shared commitment to protection and restoration. RiverFest 2026 launches on World Rivers Day (Sunday 27 September) in Ballina and concludes by the river in Lismore on Saturday 25 October.

Richmond RiverFest has been made possible with support from the Australian Government and North Coast Regional Landcare Network through the Caring for Catchments project, Ballina Shire Council, Lismore City Council, Rous Council and Ballina RSL.