Brisbane City Council is working with more than 100 local schools to grow a greener future by helping students be part of one of the world’s longest running environmental events.
Deputy Mayor Krista Adams said schools were being invited to collect up to 50 free native trees to be planted on school grounds in the lead up to Brisbane’s Arbor Day celebrations on October 8.
“Arbor Day is dedicated to planting trees and has been celebrated in Brisbane on the second Tuesday of October since 1890,” Cr Adams said.
“Council has encouraged schools to participate in Arbor Day for many decades to ensure our future generations understand why trees and caring for our environment are so important to keeping our city clean and green.
“Schools have planted more than 27,600 trees for Arbor Day since 2015, with more than 10,000 of those trees planted by students from 134 schools in the past year alone.
“The spring weather is perfect for tree planting and we hope this year’s plantings for Arbor Day will build on the success of past events.”
Cr Adams said both primary and secondary schools were eligible for up to 50 free plants through Council, plus an additional plant for every Year 1 student.
“Council has committed more than $22 million this financial year to plant and maintain trees right across Brisbane,” she said.
“Residents love Brisbane for its beautiful green open spaces and we are continuing to provide free native trees to schools, and residents, to help us increase the level of natural green cover across the city from 37 to 40 per cent by 2031.”
Cr Adams said schools would be able to pick from 50 different plants as part of the program.
“We understand different schools have different needs, so there are 15 species of trees and 25 types of groundcover plants, grasses and shrubs for them to choose from,” she said.
“Many trees across Brisbane have been planted as part of previous Arbor Day programs, including the fig tree outside Milton State School on Haig Street, which was planted by school children on Arbor Day more than 100 years ago.
“I hope the trees planted this year will become much loved greenery in the community for residents now as well as future generations.”
Schools looking to participate should visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au and search ‘green schools’.