The local National Tree Day event is taking place in Parkes at Bushman’s Hill this Sunday.

Activities start from 11am, followed by a BBQ at Bushman’s Dam.

“National Tree Day is the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and the local community,” Chairperson of Central West Lachlan Landcare, Margot Jolly said yesterday.

National Tree Day is Australia’s largest tree-planting and nature care event. 

Each year over 200,000 people take part in National Tree Day events at 3,000 sites organised by councils, schools, businesses and communities cross the country. 

Since Planet Ark launched National Tree Day in 1996, more than three million participants have planted 20 million native trees, shrubs and grasses.

The findings of 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.

National Tree Day Manager Debbie Agnew said trees and plants provide more than just environmental and aesthetic value. 

“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,” Debbie said.

This year National Tree Day’s theme, “Get into Nature and Grow” focuses on encouraging people to green up both their indoor and outdoor environments, as Australians spend more time inside.

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. 

To find out more about National Tree Day or Schools Tree Day, please visit treeday.planetark.org, call the Hotline on 1300 88 5000