Planet Ark and Waverley Council are co-hosting a community tree planting event to restore coastal vegetation and bring attention to the positive health benefits of time in nature at Marks Park, Tamarama this Sunday, June 16 from 10am – 1pm.
Marks Park is located in the coastal biodiversity corridor and contains sections of remnant vegetation, which is native vegetation indicative of original flora of the area. This comprises of dense shrubs and native grasses referred to as coastal heathland, which is habitat for many native species.
Local community members will help to plant 600 native shrubs and grasses around the edge of the park, providing native habitat for small birds like the New Holland honeyeater and the superb fairy-wren and other species such as the Eastern water skink.
The community will also take part in other nature immersion activities including a nature craft workshop with the Tree Veneration Society, yoga and meditation led by Dandelion Yoga and bird and whale spotting with Jade Pace from Come Bird with Me.
According to research from Planet Ark, over 90 per cent of Australians agree that spending time in nature reduces stress levels and improves mental health and well-being, yet the majority also feel like they don't spend enough time in nature.
With more than three in four (76 per cent) young people aged 16-25 concerned about climate change and two thirds of those indicating these climate concerns are having a negative impact on their mental health[1], time in nature is more important for happiness and health than perhaps ever before.
Planting events such as those organised through Planet Ark's National Tree Day program provide an important opportunity for Australians to engage with nature and reap the benefits to health and wellbeing that this can provide.
Planet Ark's National Tree Day started in 1996 and has grown into Australia's largest community tree planting and nature care event. It's a call to action for all Australians to get their hands dirty and give back to the community.
Whilst this event is being held early - Schools Tree Day will be celebrated on Friday 26 July and National Tree Day on Sunday 28 July. To find out how to participate or locate an event near you, visit the National Tree Day website - treeday.planetark.org.
