Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Monday, 22 July, 2013. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate.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.

Residents urged to get outside and grow on National Tree Day

The local National Tree Day event is taking place in Shepparton at Tassicker Reserve located at 1-3 The Boulevard Shepparton, on Sunday 28 July 2013. Activities start from 10am.

"We're inviting all residents to get outside and connect with nature by participating in National Tree Day," said Greater Shepparton Mayor Jenny Houlihan "It's simple, fun and has great environmental and health benefits for our community."

These local activities will be part of a milestone event, as Planet Ark and sponsor Toyota Australia prepare to plant the 20-millionth seedling since the event began in 1996.

"In addition to attending our local community event, residents can also plant in their own backyards, courtyard gardens, balconies or green spaces," said Cr Houlihan. "To register your personal site or find out more, visit www.treeday.planetark.org."

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 thousands of sites organised by councils, schools, businesses, communities and Toyota Dealers across the country.

Participation in National Tree Day is fun, community-focused and helps address important environmental issues like the loss of habitat for native wildlife, soil salinity and erosion, as well as being good for individual and community health.

"Aussies are spending more and more time inside and in front of a screen, disconnected from the natural world, but research from here and overseas show there are real health and wellbeing benefits associated with spending time outside and in contact with nature," says National Tree Day Manager Debbie Agnew.

"National Tree Day is a call-to-action for all Australians to Get Outside and Grow, for their own health and that of the environment."

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, please visit treeday.planetark.org, call the Hotline on 1300 88 5000 or visit your local participating Toyota Dealership.

- Released 22 July 2013