Wagga Wagga preschoolers do their part to green up the Australian countryside

Preschoolers in the regional New South Wales town of Wagga Wagga have participated in Planet Ark’s Schools Tree Day, planting some of the more than 2,500 seedlings donated by the Wagga Wagga City Council.

Held at the end of July, National Tree Day, and associated event Schools Tree Day, is Australia’s largest annual tree-planting and nature care event, and is an initiative organised by Planet Ark in partnership with major sponsor Toyota Australia and its Dealer Network. 

“Australians understand they can make a personal difference through positive environmental action and National Tree Day provides a fantastic opportunity for them to do just that,” said Planet Ark Deputy CEO Rebecca Gilling.

“There are clear benefits to spending time in nature and by planting a tree you can help cool the climate, provide homes for native wildlife, and make your community a better place to live.”

In Wagga Wagga, students from various age groups took time out to help improve the region’s biodiversity by planting a range of native seedlings endemic to the area. More than 30 schools and preschools participated in the event, which the Council’s Environmental Education Officer Alice Kent said was a pleasing outcome. 

“It’s always a fun day for the kids, and it’s lovely to see them learning how to plant and nurture these tiny seedlings, which will grow into a beautiful habitat for native fauna to enjoy for years to come,” she added.

The seedlings contribute to Council’s ‘One Tree for Me’ tally. One Tree for Me has set a target of getting 65,000 seedlings in the ground over the next six years – one seedling for every resident.

“Thanks to our local schools, we’re 2,500 seedlings closer to reaching our target,” Ms Kent said in closing. 

Find out more about One Tree for Me at wagga.nsw.gov.au/onetreeforme