Australians celebrate 21 years of National Tree Day

Australians celebrate 21 years of National Tree Day

By Sara McGregor  July 31st, 2016

Green thumbs were out in force to celebrate the 21st year of Planet Ark's National Tree Day today, greening their local environments and enjoying time in nature.

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Green thumbs were out in force to celebrate the 21st year of Planet Ark’s National Tree Day today, greening their local environments and enjoying time in nature. 

Nearly 300,000 people took part at over 3,200 sites run by councils, schools, environment and community groups and Toyota Dealers across the country, planting 1.1 million native trees, shrubs and edibles and helping to beautify urban areas. 

Participants also planted in their own backyards, courtyards or balcony gardens. 

National Tree Day, held at the end of July each year, is a fulfilling opportunity to do something good for the environment and benefit from positive health and wellbeing outcomes. 

Planet Ark’s latest research shows that spending time in nature has medically and scientifically beneficial effects that enable people to grow healthier, happier, brighter, calmer and closer.

Research shows that we are becoming increasingly disconnected from the natural world, yet spending time in nature induces positive feelings such as relaxation, calmness, self-worth and enjoyment through a number of physiological mechanisms, including activating the brain’s dopamine reward system.

In this digital age, Planet Ark is encouraging everyone to take 10 minutes each day outside and connect with nature. Participating in a National Tree Day activity in your community, workplace, school or backyard is a great way to reconnect with the world around us.

National Tree Day is organised by Planet Ark in partnership with Toyota Australia and its Dealer Network, which provides on the ground support at tree planting sites across Australia.

The event was supported by a host of ambassadors, including Guy Sebastian, Adam Goodes, Costa Georgiadis, James Treble, Michael Clarke, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Lee Kernaghan, Magdalena Roze, Ranger Stacey, Jamie Durie, Liz Watson, Jackie French, dirtgirl, Candice Dixon and Teigan Nash.

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By Sara McGregor

Sara was the Media Manager at Planet Ark for over 5 years. She has held a variety of media and communications roles in both the non-profit and private sectors, including positions in the UK, Ireland and Canada.

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