In July, Alice Springs Town Council called on all its resident green thumbs to help green up the Alice. Council, together with Planet Ark, various local organisations and 250 willing volunteers, planted 500 trees and shrubs in local Rotoract Park for National Tree Planting Day.
Alice Springs Mayor, Fran Kilgariff, said schools, community groups and individuals got behind Tree Day, helping to plant 500 native seedlings.
“Approximately half a million tonnes of carbon dioxide is produced in Alice Springs each year, so it’s important we plant more trees to help purify the air we breathe,” she said.
Local landscaping expert, Geoff Miers, assisted on the day. Council also provided free family activities, including a free barbeque, balloons and face painting for the kids.
Across Australia, more than 350,000 volunteers took part in National Tree Planting events, with approximately 1.5 million trees planted at more than 4,000 sites. This brings the total number of trees planted since the program began 11 years ago to more than ten million.
Mayor Kilgariff said it is one of Alice Springs’ goals to create a safe, clean and green environment for future generations to enjoy.
“By planting trees on National Tree Day, we will not only enjoy fresher air in the years to come, but we will also create more shade and improve the look and feel of our town,” she said.
