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This article was published on Monday, 14 July, 2014. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

National Tree Day highlights value of nature the community

The local National Tree Day event is taking place in Tassicker Reserve at 100 Kittles Road, Shepparton, on Sunday 27 July. Activities start from 10.00am until 12.30pm with a free BBQ provided.

“National Tree Day is the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and the local community,” said Mayor Jenny Houlihan.

National Tree Day is Australia’s largest tree-planting and nature care event. Each year over 200,000 people take part in National Tree Day events at 3,000 sites organised by councils, schools, businesses, communities and Toyota Dealers across the country. Since Planet Ark launched National Tree Day in 1996, more than three million participants have planted 20 million native trees, shrubs and grasses.

The findings of independent survey* commissioned by Planet Ark has found that many Australians clearly value the health and wellbeing benefits of homes, neighbourhoods, workplaces and schools with access to nature.

“Trees and plants provide more than just environmental and aesthetic value,” says National Tree Day Manager Debbie Agnew. “The payoffs also include financial benefits such as storm water management and reducing the need for air-conditioning, health benefits such as improving air quality, reducing stress and promoting physical activity, and significant productivity benefits in the workplace.”

This year National Tree Day’s theme, “Get into Nature and Grow” focuses on encouraging people to green up both their indoor and outdoor environments, as Australians spend more time inside.

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

To find out more about National Tree Day locally please contact Greater Shepparton City Council on 5832 9700 or email travis.turner@shepparton.vic.gov.au or visit greatershepparton.com.au, for schools please visit treeday.planetark.org, call the Hotline on 1300 88 5000.