National Tree Day 2024 at Aura
To celebrate the National Tree Day initiative, Aura residents are encouraged to get outdoors this weekend, roll up their sleeves and learn about the many benefits of trees and connection with nature.
Hosted by Planet Ark, Schools Tree Day (July 26) and National Tree Day (July 28) are Australia’s largest annual tree-planting and nature care events, with plantings taking place across the country on the last weekend of July. Each year, around 300,000 people volunteer their time to engage in activities that encourage greater understanding of the natural world and how we can protect it.
Over 26 million trees have been planted by volunteers since 1996 as part of the program, with all Australians encouraged to participate this year, to plant a tree for the benefit of the environment and the future of the community.
Aura residents are encouraged to connect with nature this National Tree Day
“Our research clearly shows the many benefits that time outdoors in nature has for our physical and mental health, our children’s development, the liveability of our communities and the robustness of local ecosystems,” said Planet Ark co-CEO Rebecca Gilling.
“With the simple action of planting a tree you can help cool the climate, provide homes for native wildlife and make your local community a happier and healthier place to live.”
Charlotte Buckley, Stockland Community Development Manager said Schools Tree Day and National Tree Day serve as a vital platform to educate and inspire students and residents to not only learn, but take tangible actions to look after our environment and preserve our precious ecosystems.
“The initiative provides a great opportunity to maintain and enhance our beautiful environment for our local wildlife as well as ensuring the region continues to be a great place to live and getting all the benefits that come from spending time outdoors,” Ms Buckley said.
“Stockland Aura is committed to celebrating, conserving and rehabilitating its natural surrounds and cultivating a green leafy environment for its residents and as a result, we have planted many trees throughout Aura over the past eight years.”
“With 700 hectares of conservation areas and open space reserves, 24 parks and playgrounds and over 200km of planned pedestrian pathways and bikeways including the dedicated veloway, there’s plenty of opportunity for all residents to enjoy the outdoors and live an active lifestyle.”
“Stockland’s 2030 vision is to regenerate the environment and inspire people to thrive in our communities and we encourage everyone in Aura to do their part to ensure a greener future for generations to come.”
To celebrate the national initiative, Stockland will be visiting Nirimba State Primary School and Goodstart Early Learning Centre in Baringa to donate trees and native vegetation to help the kids learn about the importance of trees and the role they play in our environment.
Everyone can take part in National Tree Day this year. Make sure you head down to the Aura Farmers Market this Saturday 27 July to score a free tree to take home. To claim your free tree, residents simply need to present their rates notice (one tree per household). Only a limited number of trees will be available and will be distributed until the allocation is exhausted.
If you’re keen to volunteer your time to help support the conservation and restoration of natural bushland in Sunshine Coast Council’s environment reserves, you can also register to join the BushCare volunteer team. This a great way to make a positive impact on the environment, meet new people and connect with nature.
Find out more about the National Tree Day initiative here.