It's on again right across Australia, and whether your thumbs are green or otherwise, you're welcome to get involved. National Tree Day, is on Sunday 28th July in 2013, and Schools Tree Day on Friday July 26th. It's a great way to make a community contribution, and it won't cost you a cent.
Since 1996 National Tree Days and Schools Tree Days have provided an opportunity for all Australians to make a positive impact on their local environment. In 2012 alone, more than one-million native trees, shrubs and grasses were planted by hundreds of thousands of people at more than 3300 planting events. In 2013 the 20-millionth seedling will be planted.
In a new innovation this year, individuals can organise personal activities at home in backyards, on balconies, and, where local councils permit, along nature strips and streets.
Get Outside and Grow' is the catch cry for this year's campaign and there are a multitude of ways to get involved whether it be in your own backyard, on your friend's balcony, at your local park, reserve, nature strip, beach, or school. Families, interest groups, couples, schools, individuals and businesses are invited to reconnect with the environment, and make a visible difference.
Register your own backyard
Site coordinators who register an activity with Planet Ark have the chance to win a nature getaway for two at Australia's first certified carbon-netral resort, Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa. It is valued at just under $4000. Planet Ark offers coordinators ideas and assistance.
Each year approximately 2500 preschools, primary and secondary schools get involved in Schools Tree Day. While Friday 26th July is the official date for 2013, schools can opt to hold their special day anytime. Students learn valuable lessons in the process as they learn how to plant out and care for the seedlings in their care. Watch as the school grounds are transformed into a living classroom.
Schools can
register , make use of
the toolkit including posters and certificates, and teachers can even conduct lessons with the help of a range of
educational resources provided on the Planet Ark site for primary and secondary classrooms. Families can also make use of the resources. Check out the
Explorer's Handbook which is a terrific for families at any time of year.
Businesses can get involved too, and are high valued part of the campaign. With the help of the
Workplace Activity Guide your business can get their hands dirty, do a spot of team building, and assist others to participate in the day through direct sponsorship.
To link up with a planned event in your area, or register your own visit
Planet Ark's website. Further information is also available by phoning 1300 88 5000.
