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300,000 Aussies Plant Trees for National Tree Day – Follow Live

Since 1996 more than 27 million trees have now been planted Australia-wide. Today, Jon Dee - FSC Chair of Australia and NZ joined thousands of Australians in planting a new tree.


Sun 28 Jul 24

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Thousands of Australians have participated in National Tree Day events, with this year’s focus targeting Australia’s threatened tree and plant species. That is according to Planet Ark’s CEO, Rebecca Gilling, who said tree planting signifies a significant commitment to care for nature:

“National Tree Day is not just about planting trees; it’s about fostering a deeper connection between people and the environment. In addition, it provides a tangible way for everyone to participate in conserving our natural heritage and play a vital role in supporting threatened plant and animal species.”

This nationwide program is part of a wider push to encourage Australians to contribute to restoring and preserving the natural environment. This year’s celebrations occur on two dates: a nationwide Schools Tree Day on Friday, July 26, and National Tree Day on Sunday, July 28.’

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

Footage courtesy of @planetarktv.

The issue of threatened species conservation is also prevalent in cities and regional areas. Recent research reveals that approximately 30% of Australia’s threatened species live within 98 ‘urban areas’ cities. Planet Ark said that urban areas have also been proven to support substantially more threatened species per unit area than rural regions.

According to Ms Gilling, Planet Ark’s latest research shows that 70% of Australians agree that spending time in nature increases their desire to protect the environment, yet about three-quarters feel they need to spend more time in nature.

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

This year’s plantings bring the number of native trees, shrubs, and grasses planted to 27 million since 1996. These results were 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.

Up to 300,000 Australians participated in tree-planting events.

Wood Central can reveal that thousands of Australians from all walks of life have participated in tree-planting ceremonies nationwide.

These include acclaimed environmentalist Jon Dee – the current chair of FSC Australia and New Zealand, who celebrated #SchoolsTreeDay with students at the AGBU Alexander Primary School in Duffys Forest, NSW.

In addition, various community groups connected to Landcare Australia, established in the late 1980s by Bob Hawke, one of Australia’s longest-standing Prime Ministers, have been busy planting trees across the country.

In George Town, in North-East Tasmania, local communities planted 3,800 new tree seedlings at a waste transfer station, whilst in Victoria, landowners are now working to protect Lima Stringybark, one of Australia’s most endangered trees. As it stands, there are fewer than 1,500 trees left in the world, most of them along roadsides 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 ensure the tree is protected,” said Mr Petrides, adding, “it’s quite a privilege to have on our property a species that only a handful of people have seen in their lifetime.”

However, it’s not just in the regions, with extensive tree-planting activities undertaken by the City of Port Philip, in inner-city Melbourne, the City of Sydney, and the City of South Perth.

Wood Central understands that the City of South Perth celebrated National Tree Day by inviting volunteers to plant more than 500 trees in 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,” South Perth mayor Greg Milner said. “Let’s work together to create a thriving habitat for wildlife and a beautiful green space for everyone to enjoy.”

Author

  • Jason Ross

    Jason Ross, publisher, is a 15-year professional in building and construction, connecting with more than 400 specifiers. A Gottstein Fellowship recipient, he is passionate about growing the market for wood-based information. Jason is Wood Central's in-house emcee and is available for corporate host and MC services.

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