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Plant a Tree | Wyndham

Plant a Tree | Wyndham

Planet Ark is calling on Australians to join the collective effort to care for our unique biodiversity and help the country’s threatened species this National Tree Day.

According to the latest State of the Environment report, over 1,900 species are covered by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. Of these, over 70 percent (1,385) are plant species, but significantly fewer resources are allocated to the protection of threatened plant species.

The issue of conserving threatened species also plays out in cities and regional areas. Recent research suggests that around 30 percent of Australia’s threatened species live in the country’s 98 cities.

Research has shown that urban areas are home to significantly more threatened species per unit area than more rural areas.

Some of the species groups being planted in the country this week include the Mount Lofty Ranges southern emu wren, the growling grass frog, the southern cassowary, the regent parrot, the mahogany glider and Australia’s favourite fluffy marsupial, the koala.

With Australia’s biodiversity in decline and facing significant challenges, National Tree Day provides a significant opportunity for individuals, schools and communities to actively engage with their local environment. Participants are empowered to make a positive impact by restoring habitats, creating wildlife corridors and increasing the resilience of local ecosystems.

Rebecca Gilling, CEO of Planet Ark, said National Arbor Day is not just about planting trees; it is about fostering a deeper connection between people and the environment.

“It provides a tangible way for everyone to participate in the conservation of our natural heritage and play a vital role in supporting threatened plant and animal species,” she said.

Schools Tree Day is specifically aimed at educational institutions and aims to teach students about environmental stewardship early in life. We do this by giving young Australians the opportunity to gain valuable insights into local biodiversity and ecosystems and the important role that native vegetation plays in supporting these.

Research from Planet Ark found that around 70 percent of Australians agree that spending time in nature makes them more likely to help protect the environment. Yet around three-quarters feel they don’t spend enough time in nature.

National Tree Day was founded in 1996 by Planet Ark, with more than five million volunteers helping to plant more than 27 million native trees, shrubs and grasses in the years since. While planting events can be scheduled throughout the year, the program celebrates Schools Tree Day on July 26 and National Tree Day on July 28.

More information: treeday.planetark.org.