WHITSUNDAY Catchment Landcare and Planet Ark are inviting local residents to dig in and do something good for nature and their community as part of National Tree Day 2023.
“National Tree Day is a great opportunity to maintain and enhance our beautiful environment for our local wildlife, as well as ensuring the region continues to be a great place to live and getting all the benefits that come from spending time outdoors,” Whitsunday Catchment Landcare co-ordinator Christine Peterson said.
“Nationwide, over 26 million trees have been planted by volunteers since 1996 as part of the program and we are excited for the Whitsunday community to support the goal of getting another million native plants in the ground this year.”
Schools Tree Day (July 28) and National Tree Day (July 30) are Australia’s largest annual tree-planting and nature care events, with plantings taking place across the country on the last weekend of July.
Each year, about 300,000 people volunteer their time to engage in activities that encourage greater understanding of the natural world and how to protect it.
Whitsunday Catchment Landcare’s National Tree Day event is taking place in Cannonvale at Galbraith Creek, Galbraith Park on Sunday, July 30, from 9am.
Approximately 200 native trees, shrubs and grasses will be planted at the site, to finish a section that was planted earlier this year.
Volunteers should wear covered shoes, sun smart clothing and hats. BYO water bottle – refill water will be available.
Filby’s Motors will be there on the day and will provide a light BBQ lunch for volunteers.
“Our research clearly shows the many benefits that time outdoors in nature has for our physical and mental health, our children’s development, the liveability of our communities, and the robustness of local ecosystems,” Planet Ark co-CEO Rebecca Gilling said.
“With the simple action of planting a tree you can help cool the climate, provide homes for native wildlife and make your local community a happier and healthier place to live.”
Residents can register to volunteer at the event via the National Tree Day website at treeday.planetark.org/find-a-site/.
