A group dedicated to protecting and preserving Drouin's character has celebrated its 10th anniversary.
Ten years ago, a group of community members walked around Drouin to measure and record details of urban trees.
Their work to evaluate size, age, rarity, cultural and historical significance resulted in a Significant Tree Register to recognise remnant and planted trees within the town boundary. It was the first such document developed in Baw Baw Shire and is now used as the blueprint for the shire-wide Significant Tree Register.

Following completion of this project, Friends of Drouin's Trees (FoDT) was established to protect, preserve and enhance the natural landscape, trees, wetlands and wildlife of Drouin as well as educate the community on the unique natural environment.
Since its beginning, FoDT has worked relentlessly to raise awareness of the significance of urban trees and the natural environment through conducting community information sessions, writing blogs, social media posts, presenting submissions to the shire and funding applications for specific projects to support the environment.
The organisation has published five popular environmental books: "Drouin Tree Walks", "Birds of Drouin", "Birds of Drouin and District", "West Gippsland Flora, Fauna and Fungi", and "Nature on Your Doorstep".
Volunteers come together once a month for working bees to plant, mulch, weed and install signs or nesting boxes at one of the three key areas. The FoDT looks after Alex Goudie Native Park, Bosanko Walkway and Golden Whistler Reserve.
The birdwatching branch of FoDT, led by Peter Ware, has conducted birdwatching outings and biannual bird surveys since 2018.
FoDT members also have played important roles assisting with the design of Drouin Civic Park, Alex Goudie Park masterplan, Snake Gully feasibility study and Drouin Bird Hide located at Drouin Wastewater Treatment Plant. Working closely with the shire, the group often put forward practical solutions to improve Drouin's urban environment and mitigate climate change.
Some of the ideas relate to reducing heat and filtering air pollution through such initiatives as creating a Tiny Forest or increasing tree canopy cover.
In addition, FoDT has established links with representatives of Drouin's Kurnai Aboriginal Corporation.
An important part of FoDT activities is to raise objections to developments that sacrifice established trees. Consequently, calling for stronger planning controls has been one of the organisation's ongoing efforts.
FoDT has a strong team of dedicated members. Their work is highly respected by the local community and its stakeholders.
In 2018, coordinator Judy Farmer was named Baw Baw Shire's Citizen of the Year. In this same year, FODT received a shire community award.
In 2023, the organisation received a well-deserved Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Towns Sustainability Award in recognition of eight years of environmental advocacy, promotion, community engagement and planting.
Friends of Drouin's Trees is always keen to welcome new members to help with its varied environment oriented tasks.
Further information about FoDT can be found at www.bawbawbiodiversity.com or by contacting the secretary at friendsofdrouinstrees@gmail.com