By BRIDGET COOK
CASEY residents have the chance to go green this weekend at a number of events in the area’s National Tree Day.
The annual Planet Ark event is Australia’s largest tree-planting and nature care event.
Each year more than 200,000 people take part in events at 3000 sites organised by councils, schools, businesses, communities and Toyota dealers across the country.
This year will see the 20-millionth seedling planted since the event began in 1996.
There will be a number of events held around Casey to mark the occasion including an event at Gunns Reserve in Hallam.
The Friends of Frog Hollow and the Friends of Eumemmerring Creek are again hosting their annual tree planting event and community barbecue at the reserve on Sunday between 10am and 2pm.
This will be the group’s tenth consecutive year for this event, and they have planted more than 70,000 native trees, shrubs and grasses in the wetland area in the past.
On Saturday and Sunday, Bunnings Warehouse Cranbourne and Fountain Gate will be running a free ‘How To Plant A Tree’ workshop aimed to encourage local residents to get outside and grow and plant a tree in their own backyard.
The DIY workshops, to run from 12.30 to 1pm, will feature expert advice on the best ways to plant and care for native trees to ensure they thrive for years to come.
Schools Tree Day, to be held tomorrow (Friday 26 July), is the dedicated day for Australia’s younger generation to play their part in National Tree Day. A number of schools, kindergartens and childcare centres across Casey are signed up to participate.
National Tree Day manager Debbie Agnew urged the community to get involved.
“National Tree Day is a great opportunity to connect with your community or family, help the environment, have fun and contribute to a legacy for future generations,” she said.
“Planet Ark’s recent research report reveals shrinking backyards, screen time and long working hours have concerning implications for Australia’s renowned outdoor way of life and our health, so National Tree Day is a call-to-action for all Australians to get back outside.”
To find out more about National Tree Day or find out more about events in Casey visit treeday.planetark.org or call the Hotline on 1300 88 5000.
