Hi Landcarer’s

Central West Lachlan Landcare (CWLL), Parkes and Forbes Shire Councils, Planet Ark and Toyota are inviting residents to take part in a local National Tree Day event.

“National Tree Day is a timely opportunity to connect with the community, reflect on what’s been achieved through previous plantings and continue to care for our local environment,” said CWLL Chairperson, Ben Kerin.

National Tree Day is Australia’s largest tree-planting and nature care event. Each year over 300,000 people take part in National Tree Day events at 3,000 sites. The campaign has spanned 23 years and lead to the planting of over 25 million trees, and Planet Ark is asking Australians to band together to plant a million more this year.

Existing research and feedback show participants feel healthier, happier and more connected to their communities by helping plant in and maintain their local green spaces.

Landcare Co-ordinator, Marg Applebee explained “Central West Lachlan Landcare are pleased to be working with Forbes and Parkes Shire Council to continue the fantastic work that has already been achieved through these community planting days. We encourage people who are planning to attend to register at the Planet Ark website. Links will be on our website and social media.”

Findings of independent research commissioned by Planet Ark has found that contact with nature provides a range of happiness, health and wellbeing benefits.

Following the Bureau of Meteorology’s declaration that 2018 was Australia’s third-hottest year on record, Planet Ark is calling for increased planting, especially in urban areas, to prevent heat islands and their associated impacts.

It is now well-established that trees act as ‘carbon sinks’ in sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. However, this is not the only positive environmental benefit of trees as they also help lower ambient temperatures in their area. Research shows that increasing tree canopies by only 5% could lower temperatures by over two degrees.

In 2019, Planet Ark will be working with a number of other organisations to increase awareness of the importance of tree planting and its positive impact on climate change.

Next week’s article will contain all the nitty gritty information on how to get there and what will be happening on the day.

For more information and to register, go to our website at centralwestlachlanlandcare.org, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @cwllandcare or go directly to the National Tree Day Website.

Forbes: https://treeday.planetark.org/site/10021281

Parkes: https://treeday.planetark.org/site/10021282

Until next week, happy Landcaring!