Send in photos this year for National Tree Day

Planet Ark's official National Tree Day and Schools Tree Day events, scheduled for Friday, July 31 and Sunday, August 2 respectively, will not go ahead due to COVID-19, but that doesn't mean you can't make a difference this year.

You can post a photo of yourself with a tree or favourite plant on social media using the hashtag #HugATreeForNTD to show your commitment to regeneration.

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Goulburn Mulwaree Council mayor Bob Kirk confirmed the news, saying there probably wouldn't be any event this year in town.

"Usually we have a community planting activity, but that's been curtailed this year due to COVID-19," Cr Kirk said.

"Every year, we've also been involved with the schools.

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"I may be going to South Goulburn Public School for a little event, but even that's subject to confirmation."

As a result of the recent bushfires, new research showed over half of Australians wanted to do their part for the environment and also felt that during these tough times, nature improved their mood or eased anxieties.

Planet Ark Deputy CEO Rebecca Gilling said that was a fantastic sign.

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"After the unparalleled start to the year we have had here in Australia, regeneration of our land and our well-being is more critical now than ever," Ms Gilling said.

"We are calling on all Australians to make a pledge to regenerate through connecting with nature, whether that be by planting a tree in the backyard, doing some weeding in local bushland or simply hugging a tree."

The Planet Ark Environmental Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation focused on promoting and creating simple and positive environmental actions for everyone.

For more information, go to https://treeday.planetark.org/

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