National Tree Day 2013: ready, set, plant!

Over 1 million trees were planted across Australia last year and Planet Ark wants to do even better later this week for National Tree Day 2013.

Schools Tree Day is on Friday, July 26, while the major event National Tree Day 2013 is on this Sunday July 28^.

National Tree Day aims to inspire, educate and recruit Australians to actively care for their unique land. It is also an opportunity for people to reconnect with nature, according to environmental organisation Planet Ark.

The event has a strong family focus and children are encouraged to attend. This will also help to create future generations of committed environmental custodians.

There are clear health, well being and developmental benefits for children to gain from interacting with nature. Events like tree planting days become more important as urbanisation increases and children spend more time playing indoors, Planet Ark says.

Hundreds of thousands of Australians planted over 1 million native trees, shrubs and grasses at more than 3300 Tree Day events held across the country in 2012. Planet Ark worked with councils, schools and community groups to make this all happen.

This year they are hoping for an even bigger turnout.

The Planet Ark website provides details of specific regional National Tree Day 2013 events right across Australia. New events are added to the list all the time so it is worth re-checking the site as National Tree Day 2013 gets closer.

It is also worth remembering that while the principal weekend for tree planting is over July 26-28, there are associated tree-planting events held throughout the year as well.

Getting involved is as simple as turning up to a tree-planting event in your local area. The whole family is invited to the free event, and all you have to bring is a shovel and enthusiasm.

Native trees suited to the local environment are provided on site by the local coordinator.

People are also encouraged to go to the next level and organise their own tree-planting site. Planet Ark will provide advice about the basic admin and help out with insurance. They also provide links to local community groups and native nurseries that will be able to help organise the day.