Be part of National Tree Day and make a difference

Wagga City Council encourages residents to foster greater connection with nature and their community as part of National Tree Day 2022.

Wagga is set to plant 5000 seedlings across the city as part of Australia’s largest tree planting and nature care event, an initiative organised by Planet Ark.

The program that started in 1996 calls for all Australians to get their hands dirty and give back to the community.

Council is encouraging the wider community to participate in National Tree Day as it offers a rewarding experience for volunteers.

The last Friday of (29) July is dedicated to Schools Tree Day and 31 local schools and preschools from Wagga will be planting 3584 seedlings donated by the council.

The community planting day (Sunday 31 July) will see 1300 seedlings planted at the Flowerdale Lagoon located on the corner of Edward and Moorong streets.

Wagga City Council Environment Officer Christina Reid said the lagoon is a vital environment for native birds and aquatic life.

“Planting a range of local native grasses, shrubs and tree seedlings for National Tree Day will help connect fragmented vegetation,” Ms Reid said.

This will provide vital movement corridors for native birds and animals that need to move safely from location to location in search of food, habitat and a mate.”

The ground at the Flowerdale Lagoon has been prepared for the national planting event and forms parts of the Wiradjuri Trail for cyclists, runners and walkers.

The environment officer highlighted the significant benefits for the community and the environment of planting trees as it helps combat climate change.

“Trees remove the carbon dioxide built up in our atmosphere and store it in their leaves and roots,” Ms Reid said.

“This year, we will be introducing biodegradable cardboard tree guards, eliminating the need for soft plastic tree guards.

“Making this switch enables us to reduce our single-use plastic and reuse items.”

Planet Ark CEO Rebecca Gilling said National Tree Day provides a fantastic opportunity for Australians to make a personal difference through positive environmental action.

“There are clear benefits to spending time in nature and by planting a tree, you can help cool the climate, provide homes for native wildlife, and make your community a better place to live,” Ms Gilling said.

Australian volunteers have planted over 26 million trees since the program’s inception.

Event volunteers are to bring a pair of gardening gloves and wear warm clothes and enclosed footwear.

Wagga Urban Landcare will treat the volunteers to a free barbeque after the planting is completed.

Volunteers will be given free seedlings to take home at the end of the day.

Community planting day is on Sunday 31 July at Flowerdale Lagoon, from 10 am to 12 pm. Planting equipment will be provided.