An initiative first started by Planet Ark, National Tree Day is a time to give back to the environment through tree planting and nature conservation events. AMR was on the scene at Dromana where Fifteen Trees, The Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation Group and a chorus of volunteers helped plant over 500 trees on a sunny winter’s day.
In 1996, Plant Ark organised the first National Tree Day, calling on communities around Australia to help lend a hand and restore the environment through tree planting events. Since then, the initiative has had a huge impact, to the tune of over 26 million trees planted and seen a massive 5 million volunteers donate 10 million hours of time to the project.
The team were able to help plant over 500 trees on the day.
National Tree Day occurs during the last Friday in July, or first Sunday in August. This year, National Tree Day fell on Sunday, July 31st. A tree planting event was held at Dromana in Victoria, Australia. We met at the base of the Arthur’s Seat chairlift (the ‘Eagle’) and joined up with a team of over 50 volunteers – a strong turnout considering we are in the midst of a particularly cold winter. Fortunately, there were breaks of sunshine and the cheerful nature of everyone involved helped to buck spirits. In fact, the team were able to help plant over 500 trees on the day! This included a selection of native Australian trees, including wattles, gums and she-oaks to name a few.
It was great to see volunteers of all ages (even youngsters barely taller than the seedlings themselves), hailing from Canada, Switzerland and those local to the peninsula working together to help restore the natural vegetation. A kangaroo even briefly popped by to say hello. The team from the Arthur’s Seat Eagle also provided free chairlift rides – an offer that many of the kids thoroughly enjoyed (and some adults too!).
Trees were planted up both sides of the channel. 
Over 50 volunteers helped plant 500 trees. 
Arthur’s Seat Eagle provides stunning views of the Mornington Peninsula. 
Plenty of beautiful natural Australia flora, including Acacia. 
Dirk from Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation overseeing the planting. 
Melbourne in the distance. 
In the thick of it. 
Tree planting in progress.
MPKC are on track to plant 35,000 plants this year, an amazing feat and one that will contribute to the ongoing restoration of koala’s natural habitats across the peninsula.
Dirk from The Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation Group (MPKC) helped oversee the event, ensuring the trees were planted not only to maximise their growth potential, yet still blending in with existing vegetation. He explained the importance of positioning – making sure that the plants were safe from competing flora as well as the elements. MPKC are on track to plant 35,000 plants this year, an amazing feat and one that will contribute to the ongoing restoration of koala’s natural habitats across the peninsula. Colleen and the team from Fifteen Trees were also on hand to assist, and are gearing up for another tree planting day later this year. For more details, make sure to visit their website, and be sure to check out the different ways you can get involved and help reduce your carbon footprint (as either an individual or business) through tree planting.
We’ll be sure to check out the area when visiting Mount Martha and Dromana to see the progress of the trees. As Dirk explained, many of the trees won’t make significant growth for a few months or years at best, before suddenly springing to life once they find a solid base. We can’t wait to compare the site in future to see just how beautiful it will be with the new additions planted today.
