Tree day takes root at Melton Secondary College

Daniel, Nicole and Josh will be getting their hands dirty so Mother Earth can stay clean.

As part of National Tree Day on July 24, Melton Secondary College students will plant native grasses and shrubs to help beautify the school.

The school has been encouraging its students to plant trees for a number of years, and this will be its third official participation in National Tree Day.

Horticulture teacher Rod Cochrane said the students, from year 10 and VCAL, were enthusiastic about leaving their mark at the school.

“The students who plant the trees are very protective of them,” he said.

Mr Cochrane said the day was a good opportunity for students who don’t live in homes with big backyards to learn about planting trees and the importance of keeping their environment healthy.

“The students, while they’re planting, talk about what they’re doing and they help each other,” he said.

Environment group Planet Ark has called on the rest of the municipality to invest time in National Tree Day and is encouraging people to volunteer as site co-ordinators.

National Tree Day manager Debbie Agnew said: “The fact that we’re able to continue growing our community and increase participation every year is testament to those who get involved, as it means more and more people are understanding just how valuable preserving our natural environment is.”

Details: www.treeday.planetark.org