Planet Ark is asking Australians to make their way outdoors on Sunday, July 29 and get their hands dirty as part of National Tree Day.
The campaign has spanned 22 years and lead to the planting of over 24 million trees, and Planet Ark is asking Australians to band together to plant a million more this year. Existing research and
feedback show participants feel healthier, happier and more connected to their communities by
helping plant in and maintain their local green spaces.
Their newest research, via Pollinate, found 62% of Australians wish they had at least 30 minutes
more time in nature per day, and only a third realised they could enhance their time outdoors by
using smartphone apps such as plant identifiers and nature trail maps.
Planet Ark ambassador Dr Amanda Lloyd said the new research’s implications were very promising for time-poor teachers in the lead-up to Schools Tree Day on July 27.
"Planet Ark's new research is exciting, because it shows rather than splitting our screen time and
green time we can combine the two and learn in the outdoors."
Deputy CEO Rebecca Gilling said this year's Tree Day would also provide an opportunity for
Australian Landcare, community and faith groups to get together and make a lasting difference in
their communities.
"As always, we want to thank the councils, Landcare groups and everyday Australians whose
contributions keep Australia’s natural environment flourishing. It’s a great example of the kind of
practical, positive environmental change that Planet Ark asks Australians to make every day."
Planet Ark would also like to thank National Tree Day’s partner Toyota for its ongoing support, a
sentiment shared by Toyota’s Chief Marketing Officer Wayne Gabriel.
"Toyota Australia is proud to support National Tree Day and Schools' Tree Day and we are
committed to the long-term sustainability of our environment.
In 2017, nearly a quarter of a million people took part in National Tree Day events, planting more
than 900,000 trees, grasses and shrubs at over 3,000 sites around the country.
This year we'd love to see even more volunteers rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty to help preserve our environment for future generations to come."
Schools Tree Day and National Tree Day are Australia’s largest annual tree-planting and nature care events and take place on Friday 27 July and Sunday 29 July. This is an initiative organised by Planet Ark in partnership with Toyota Australia and its Dealer Network which provides on-the-ground support at tree planting sites across Australia. ---
