Media Release:

Green thumbs asked to 'dig in' and plant seeds for the future

Planet Ark searching for National Tree Day site coordinators

Planet Ark is calling all green thumbs to help contribute to Australia's future generations and environment, by becoming a Site Coordinator for Schools Tree Day on 31 July 2009 or National Tree Day on 2 August 2009.

Schools Tree Day and National Tree Day, now in its 14th year, has mobilised more than two million volunteers to plant over 13 million trees nationally, since its inception. The day is only made possible by volunteer individuals, schools and community groups who run local tree planting or bush regeneration sites.

Rebecca Gilling, Planet Ark spokesperson, says the vital tree planting days have helped thousands of communities preserve and protect their local environment.

"Schools Tree Day and National Tree Day is not just about planting trees, but growing a habitat for Australia's native wildlife, growing communities, growing an appreciation for our environment and growing a future for our children.

"In addition, we are helping protect our local environment, site by site every year and making a large impact," said Mrs Gilling.

Ruth Jenkins, a member of the Tullimbah Landcare Group, has been a National Tree Day Site Coordinator for the past seven years and encourages people who like gardening, or families looking for a fun family activity to do together, to get involved.

"I have been participating in tree planting at the Elizabeth Brownlee Reserve in NSW, and in the seven years that we have been planting at the particular site, we have seen native animals return to live at the reserve. This includes wallabies, birds and echidnas that had left the area after native species of trees had degenerated," said Mrs Jenkins.

Schools Tree Day and National Tree Day Site Coordinators are required to organise and supervise their registered tree-planting site. Planet Ark provides support to Site Coordinators through a hotline and website, where downloadable resources and a step-by-step guide, as well as tools to help promote the tree-planting are available.

All Site Coordinators who register by 10 July 2009 will also go into the draw to win one of 11 fantastic prizes, including an indulgent weekend at an eco-tourism resort, or a green cleaning starter pack including bathroom and kitchen products from Orange Power.

To register to become a Schools Tree Day or National Tree Day Site Coordinator, or for further information, visit http://treeday.planetark.org or contact 1300 88 5000.

National Tree Day is organised by Planet Ark in partnership with Toyota and Its Dealer network which provide on-the- ground support at local and community tree-planting sites Australia wide.

Mum Zone Release Date: 16th June 2009

Back to Media Releases

---

	Subscribe to the Mum Zone Baby & Parenting Newsletter