Schools Tree Day aims to inspire the next generation to engage with and appreciate Tasmania’s natural environment, offering students a fun and interactive way to understand the significance of local forests while making a positive impact in their community.
Suzette Weeding, General Manager Conservation and Land Management at Sustainable Timber Tasmania emphasised the educational value of Schools Tree Day.
“This initiative enables students to actively contribute to Tasmania’s forest conservation efforts while gaining practical insights into sustainable forestry practices.”
“Our goal is for students to take home a fresh appreciation for the environment and empower them to make a positive impact within their community.”
A total of 3,500 native seedlings, grown at Sustainable Timber Tasmania’s Perth Nursery, have been gifted to more than 60 schools across the state. Many schools are hosting planting events throughout July and August, facilitated by Sustainable Timber Tasmania foresters alongside enthusiastic students and educators.
Kate Battishall Teacher and Program Development and Implementation at the Forest Education Foundation highlighted the significance of the event in promoting environmental education.
“This event is a fantastic way for students to engage with their local environment. By planting in their school grounds students can develop their own personal connection with trees in landscape and gain valuable insights into Tasmania’s forests.”
Planet Ark’s National Tree Day started in 1996 and has grown into Australia’s largest community tree planting and nature care event. This year, National Tree Day was celebrated on 26th July. It’s an encouragement for all
Penguin District School
Students from Penguin District School teamed up with Sustainable Timber Tasmania foresters to plant seedlings in their Nature Play area, getting their hands dirty and learning about the importance of Tasmanian forests firsthand.
Geoff David, Assistant Principal – Secondary Campus of Penguin District School welcomed the supportive learning opportunity for students.
“It was great to be able to have students not only plant some native trees, but learn a bit about sustainability in Tasmania as well” “The 30 native trees will really help to enhance our nature play area”
Enthusiastic students identified appropriate locations for the seedlings, cultivated the soil, dug holes, and planted over 30 seedlings.
Foresters from Sustainable Timber Tasmania discussed the life cycle of a eucalypt seedling with students and answered questions about sustainable forestry practices, guiding students on the importance of forest regeneration following harvesting operations.