Get your hands dirty this Sunday for National Tree Day!

Orange City Council is inviting the community to join them in planting 800 trees to celebrate National Tree Day this Sunday, July 30.

Established in 1996, National Tree Day is an initiative of Planet Ark. It has grown into Australia’s largest community tree planting and nature care event, with more than 26 million trees planted since it began.

The aim for this Sunday’s community planting event at Gosling Creek is to plant 800 native trees, shrubs and grasses on the day to enhance the biodiversity in the area and provide habitat for native wildlife.

Orange Environmental Sustainability Community Committee Chair, Cr David Mallard said the event had received strong support from the community in previous years and he is hoping to see a good crowd on Sunday “Last year’s event was a huge success, with 150 people planting 1100 native plants at Lake Canobolas and I hope we get the same response from volunteers this year,” Cr Mallard said.

“In the past five years, more than 5000 native plants have been planted around Orange on National Tree Day.”

“I encourage all community members to come along and plant a tree for our beautiful environment. It’s a great chance to give back and it’s an activity that the whole family can enjoy.”

The planting will take place from 10am to 1pm and there will be a barbecue afterwards Parking will be available on the corner of Forest and Bloomfield Roads, and signs will be in place to guide people to the planting area.

Holes will be pre-dug to make planting easier and all tools will be provided on the day as well as a pair of gloves. But don’t forget to wear appropriate outdoor clothing, sunscreen, a hat and covered shoes.