Queensland schoolsgrow love for nature this Schools Tree Day

Queensland’s environment is the topic in schools across the state today as students participate in tree planting activities to mark Schools Tree Day.

Schools Tree Day is being held today ahead of National Tree Day on Sunday, which is the country’s largest annual tree-planting and nature care event.

Visiting Wisdom College in Algester today, Minister for the Environment Leeanne Enoch said Schools Tree Day is a great opportunity for students to be actively involved in caring for our environment and learn about biodiversity.

“Students understand the importance of trees and the role they play in our environment, particularly when it comes to global issues like climate change” Ms Enoch said.

“We want to encourage future generations to help spread the message that being involved in something as simple as planting a tree can make a difference in protecting our environment.”

Minister for Education Grace Grace said that more than 200 preschools, kindergartens, primary and high schools across Queensland take part in Schools Tree Day.

“Many Queensland schools already have great environmental programs in place and Schools Tree Day is a fantastic opportunity to highlight this,” Ms Grace said.

“Today students are learning about the importance of sustainability and the need to look after our environment, and hopefully inspire other schools to get involved in this important cause.”

Year one teacher at Wisdom College Amie Lucht said that Wisdom College is taking an active part in caring for their local school environment this Schools Tree Day.

“To establish an awareness of our environment and its future care for the next generation is a rewarding experience, and this event aligns perfectly with the School's value of integrity as we do our part for the local community,” Ms Lucht said.

“Joining students and teachers in an outside classroom are parents and members of the local community are getting their hands dirty to plant and nurture some native seedlings and trees for a greener future.”

Minister Enoch said protecting our environment and keeping it healthy for future generations is a key priority for the Palaszczuk Government.

“We have introduced a suite of initiatives to protect our environment and combat climate change, including setting ambitious targets of 50% renewable energy by 2030, and zero net emissions by 2050.

“Our vegetation management laws, passed in Parliament last year, put an end to broadscale clearing which also goes a long way into reducing emissions.

“The Palaszczuk Government has also introduced the flagship $500 million Land Restoration Fund which rewards Queensland landholders and primary producers for reducing emissions and encourages land restoration.”

For more information on Schools Tree Day or to find a tree planting event near you see https://treeday.planetark.org/get-involved/schools.

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