Schools to mark National Tree Day.

Students at Russell Vale Public School will be planting trees to mark Planet Ark’s National Tree Day on Friday. Picture: Google

With more than 3,000 trees ready to leave the Botanic Garden’s nursery, Wollongong City Council is encouraging everyone to get their hands dirty this weekend for National Tree Day.

The small tube stock trees are destined for seven school, including Russell Vale and Tarrawanna Public Schools in the north, and three community tree planting sites as part of Council’s support of Planet Ark’s National Tree Day.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery with Stuart Park’s new fig tree

National Tree Day has been celebrated since 1996 and this year, as in previous years, Council’s supporting events on Friday and three community plantings on Sunday.

For the school planting day staff from the Wollongong Botanic Garden will work with students from Russell Vale and Tarrawanna to plant 300 trees in their grounds.

Students at Tarrawanna Public School will celebrate Planet Ark’s National Tree Day on Friday with plantings in their grounds. Picture: Google

Today, Tuesday Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery has planted an established fig tree near the playground in Stuart Park. The tree is five years old and has a lifespan that exceeds more than 100 years.

“We are passionate about our trees in this city,” Cr Bradbury said.

“The National Tree Day events are a practical way people can come out and support our Urban Greening Strategy. Plus, they’re also an opportunity to connect with nature and the local community and do something for the good of everyone.’

“It’s great to have so many schools involved in this event,’’ Cr Bradbery said.

“We know young people are active and passionate about our environment and their participation is key to creating a world that’s able to deal with the impacts of climate change.”

On Sunday, Council staff will be working at three sites where community members are welcome to come along and help plant species including eucalypts, wattles and casuarinas as well as other local native species.

Planting will be undertaken at the regeneration site at Wollongong’s Greenhouse Park, Coniston from 10am-2pm.

“I’d encourage all those who are passionate about the environment to come along and plant a tree,’’ Cr Bradbery said.

“Together we can make Wollongong a greener place to live and activities like these are always enjoyable community gatherings.’’

For more information visit Wollongong Council’s website or call (02) 4227 7111.