Latrobe City Council and Planet Ark are inviting Latrobe City residents to dig in and do something good for nature and the community as part of National Tree Day 2023.
Schools Tree Day (July 28) and National Tree Day (July 30) are Australia's largest annual tree-planting and nature care events, with plantings taking place across the country on the last weekend of July. Each year, around 300,000 people volunteer their time to engage in activities that encourage greater understanding of the natural world and how we can protect it.
Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Councillor Kellie O'Callaghan said with the simple action of planting a tree, community members can help improve our environment and make our community a happier and healthier place to live.
"National Tree Day is a great opportunity to maintain and enhance our beautiful environment for our local wildlife as well as ensuring the region continues to be a great place to live and getting all the benefits that come from spending time outdoors," said the Mayor.
"Over 26 million trees have been planted by volunteers since 1996 as part of the program and Council is excited to support the goal of getting another million native plants in the ground this year."
Council is hosting a National Tree Day event at Haunted Hills Bike Park (access is between Yallourn Cemetery and the Moe Transfer station on Haunted Hills Rd, Newborough) on Sunday 30 July from 10am - 12.30pm. Approximately 1,500 trees, shrubs, grasses and sedges will be planted to reflect the vegetation type that previously occurred in the area.
Residents can register to volunteer at the event via the National Tree Day website at treeday.planetark.org/site/10028016
All participants will receive a free hot drink to acknowledge their contribution. Community members who attend are reminded to wear sturdy footwear and bring a raincoat.
Gloves, tools, drinking water, refreshments and equipment for planting will all be provided on the day.