Parents, teachers, students, gardeners and volunteers of all kinds will get their green thumbs out this coming weekend to plant native trees shrubs and grasses around the country as part of National Tree Day events.
The National Tree Day program is a nationwide initiative that encourages Australians to come together and contribute to the restoration and preservation of our natural environment. This year, Schools Tree Day will be celebrated by schools around the country on July 28, with National Tree Day to be celebrated July 30.
This year’s plantings will bring the total to over 27 million native trees, shrubs and grasses since the program was established in 1996. These results have been made possible by the efforts of over five million volunteers who have participated in the collective effort to plant trees and foster a deeper connection with nature.
“Planting a tree signifies the commitment we have to appreciate and care for nature. We believe that fostering a strong connection with the natural world is critical to inspiring individuals to protect and conserve it for generations to come,” Rebecca Gilling, Planet Ark CEO, said.
Research consistently highlights the profound benefits of spending time in nature, enhancing key aspects of Australians’ lives including health, happiness, learning, relaxation, and relationships.
“Time spent in nature makes people happier, healthier, brighter, calmer, and closer to one another. By participating in National Tree Day, Australians can invest in their well-being and contribute to the creation of a sustainable future,” Gilling said
Gilling also noted outdoor learning and nature play have been shown to play a pivotal role in the growth and development of the younger generation.
“Research demonstrates that crucial skills required for the future can be nurtured through outdoor education and connecting with nature. By engaging young minds in environmental initiatives like National Tree Day, we are equipping them with the tools they need to become responsible stewards of our planet.”
This year, Planet Ark is proud to celebrate the remarkable growth of The Seedling Bank, a program that provides schools and community groups across the country with funds to acquire native seedlings for regeneration projects. Since its inception, The Seedling Bank has directly funded the planting of over 80,000 seedlings in 132 school and community groups.
In 2023, another 119 groups will plant over 50,000 seedlings using funding from The Seedling Bank. Projects include rewilding efforts on degraded former pastoral land in South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, habitat planting for the critically endangered Western Ringtail Possum in the southwest corner of Western Australia, students planting Miyawaki forests and more.
A collection of these stories will be published in this year’s Tree Talk report, which highlights key initiatives being supported by The Seedling Bank each year.
“We are thrilled to witness the positive impact of The Seedling Bank, which serves as a testament to our commitment to greening Australia and empowering local communities to do the same around the country,” Gilling said.
National Tree Day is an initiative organised by Planet Ark in partnership with Toyota Australia and its Dealer Network, who are celebrating 24 years as major sponsor of the program.
“For nearly a quarter century, Toyota’s partnership with Planet Ark has helped to enhance over 66,000 communities, neighbourhoods and sites with native trees, shrubs and grasses,” Toyota Australia Chief Marketing Officer Vin Naidoo said.
“National Tree Day and Schools Tree Day is about heading out into the great outdoors, getting your hands dirty, and connecting with the local community.”
National Tree Day is also supported by the New South Wales Government.
Planet Ark’s National Tree Day provides an opportunity for individuals, schools, and community groups to contribute to a more sustainable future and create lasting change. To find out how to participate or locate an event near you, visit the National Tree Day website – treeday.planetark.org.
