Warm Trees
The Story Behind Warm Trees
In June 2013, shortly after the National Arboretum Canberra had opened to the public, a couple of keen knitters who were members of the Friends of the Arboretum, came up with the idea of wrapping scarves around trees in winter. Creating colourful groves of trees to encourage visitors into the forests, despite the cold weather. There were plenty of volunteers keen to knit and crochet scarves for the Arboretum’s trees, so it was repeated the following year and has now become an annual event.
Since 2013, this event has continued to grow, thanks to the contributions of hundreds of crafters who knit and crochet brightly coloured scarves to wrap around tree trunks . Children look around in wonder as they adventure through a forest transformed by these multicoloured trunks.
During Warm Trees the Gabion Wall leading into the Visitor Centre becomes a vibrant gallery, showcasing creative pieces inspired by an annual Arboretum related theme. Visitor feedback is consistently positive, especially when people discover that many of the scarves are later sewn together to create rugs, which are then donated to a range of charities.
Interested in getting involved?
There are several opportunities to get involved as a volunteer with Warm Trees, including knitting and/or crocheting scarves, making items for display, installing and/or removing the scarves, or making wraps from the scarves to donate to local charities.
If you want more information or would like to join our mailing list please contact us at:
warmtrees.fnac@gmail.com