close
close

watexr eu

300,000 Australians plant trees for National Tree Day – Follow live

300,000 Australians plant trees for National Tree Day – Follow live

•

Vaseline

Thousands of Australians have taken part in National Tree Day events, with this year’s focus on Australia’s threatened tree and plant species, according to Planet Ark CEO Rebecca Gilling, who said planting trees symbolised an important commitment to caring for nature:

“National Arbor Day isn’t just about planting trees; it’s about fostering a deeper connection between people and the environment. It also provides a tangible way for everyone to participate in preserving our natural heritage and play a vital role in supporting endangered species.”

This nationwide program is part of a broader effort to encourage Australians to play their part in restoring and conserving the natural environment. This year’s celebrations will take place on two dates: a nationwide Schools Tree Day on Friday 26 July and National Tree Day on Sunday 28 July.’

According to Australia’s most recent State of the Environment report, there are now more than 1,900 species listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. Of these, more than 70% (or 1,385) are plant species, but despite the significant numbers, more resources are needed to protect threatened plant species.

Footage courtesy of @planetarktv.

The issue of threatened species conservation also plays out in cities and regional areas. Recent research shows that around 30% of threatened species in Australia live in 98 cities in ‘metropolitan areas’. Planet Ark said that urban areas have also been shown to host significantly more threatened species per unit area than rural areas.

Ms Gilling said Planet Ark’s latest research found that 70% of Australians agree that spending time in nature makes them more likely to help protect the environment. However, around three-quarters still think they should spend more time in nature.

“We encourage everyone, from schools to local businesses and individuals, to get involved in National Tree Planting Day. Only by working together can we make a meaningful difference in protecting our environment for future generations.”

This year’s plantings bring the number of native trees, shrubs and grasses planted since 1996 to 27 million. These achievements were made possible by the efforts of more than five million volunteers who participated in the collective effort to plant trees and foster a deeper connection with nature.

About 300,000 Australians took part in tree planting events.

Wood Central can reveal that thousands of Australians from all walks of life took part in tree planting ceremonies across the country.

One such person is acclaimed environmental activist Jon Dee, current Chair of FSC Australia and New Zealand, who celebrated #SchoolsTreeDay with students from AGBU Alexander Primary School in Duffys Forest, NSW.

In addition, several community groups associated with Landcare Australia, which was founded in the late 1980s by Bob Hawke, one of Australia’s longest-serving prime ministers, are busy planting trees across the country.

In George Town, north-east Tasmania, local communities have planted 3,800 new tree seedlings at a waste transfer station, while landowners in Victoria are now working to protect Lima Stringybark, one of Australia’s most endangered trees. There are currently fewer than 1,500 trees left in the world, most of which are found by the side of roads or on private land.

One of the largest remaining populations is protected by Ben Petrides and his family through Trust for Nature. “You feel a sense of responsibility to make sure the tree is protected,” Mr Petrides said, adding: “It’s a great privilege to have a species on our property that only a handful of people have ever seen in their lifetime.”

But it’s not just happening in the regions. The city of Port Philip, inner Melbourne, Sydney and South Perth are also carrying out large-scale tree planting activities.

Wood Central has learned that the City of South Perth celebrated National Arbor Day by inviting volunteers to plant more than 500 trees at the Salter Point Elderfield Wetlands.

“This event is a great way to connect with nature, contribute to the community and ensure a greener future for generations to come,” said South Perth Mayor Greg Milner. “Let’s work together to create a thriving wildlife habitat and a beautiful green space for everyone to enjoy.”

  • Jason Ross

    Jason Ross, Publisher, is a building and construction professional with 15 years of experience, and has contact with over 400 specifiers. He is a Gottstein Fellowship recipient and is passionate about growing the wood-based information market. Jason is the in-house emcee for Wood Central and is available for corporate host and MC services.

    View all posts

•

Recent Posts

Social Media

Advertisement