"National Tree Day was co-founded in 1996 by Planet Ark and Olivia Newton-John. It has now grown into Australia's largest community tree planting and nature protection event as we strive to see over one million new trees, shrubs and grasses planted each year.

National Tree Day is a call to action for all Australians to put their hands in the earth and give back to their community.

Each year, about 300,000 people volunteer their time to engage in environmental activities that educate individuals about the world around them.

It's a day to venture outdoors and get to know your community, and most importantly, to have fun!"

MidCoast Council kindly invited us to plant a number of eucalyptus trees in the beautiful and precious Gloucester District Park to celebrate the day.

Members of the Gloucester Environment Group have been carrying out tree planting and bush regeneration in the area for several years as part of our Rivercare program.

We were also recently involved in the rejuvenation of Minimbah Gardens.

In addition to Rivercare, the Environment Group has been planting hundreds of trees on private land through its Koalaways program, again with the help of MidCoast Council and local landowners.

If any reader would like to be involved in planting wildlife friendly trees and shrubs on their rural property, please contact Di on 0419 880 804 or via Facebook.

Why should we plant more trees?

Trees are important for many reasons including:

* To help deal with climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide

* To clean the air by absorbing harmful pollutants

* To prevent soil erosion and improve water quality

* To restore habitat vital to the survival of our native plants and animals including koalas.

So, there are many good reasons to get involved.