Dirtgirl and Perry posed for photos with the youngsters, who planted seedlings, watched a native animal display, had fun doing nature crafts and had their faces painted. There were free plants to take home, as well as a sausage sizzle put on by long-term National Tree Day supporters the Lions Club.
Sydney Park was just one of the 3,000 National Tree Day events organised by councils, schools, businesses, communities and Toyota Dealers across the country, for Australia’s largest tree-planting and nature care event.
Since Planet Ark launched National Tree Day in 1996, more than three million participants have planted 20 million native trees, shrubs and grasses. An independent survey commissioned by Planet Ark has found that many Australians clearly value the health and wellbeing benefits of homes, neighbourhoods, workplaces and schools with access to nature.
The research report, titled Valuing Trees – What is Nature Worth? builds upon previous research commissioned by Planet Ark about direct links between contact with nature and a range of health and wellbeing benefits.
“Trees and plants provide more than just environmental and aesthetic value,” says National Tree Day Manager Debbie Agnew. “The payoffs also include financial benefits such as storm water management and reducing the need for air-conditioning, health benefits such as improving air quality, reducing stress and promoting physical activity, and significant productivity benefits in the workplace.”
National Tree Day is organised by Planet Ark in partnership with Toyota and its Dealer Network, which provides on-the-ground support at local community tree planting sites Australia-wide.
