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Denmark locals give back to nature by planting 1400 native shrubs for National Tree Day

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Spirit of Play Community School council chairperson Diane Harwood, Denmark Shire's Mark Parre and Tali Mitchel, 5.
Camera IconSpirit of Play Community School council chairperson Diane Harwood, Denmark Shire's Mark Parre and Tali Mitchel, 5. Credit: Serena Kirby

The Shire of Denmark and local primary school children have put their hands in the earth, giving back to the environment as a celebration of National Tree Day.

Last Friday was Schools Tree Day, when Shire revegetation officer Mark Parre and Spirit of Play Community School children spent the morning planting 1400 native plants near the school grounds.

The native shrubs, sedges and rushes will provide competition for weeds as well as absorbing nutrients that would otherwise end up running into the Wilson Inlet.

Upper primary student Willoughby Sharp.
Camera IconUpper primary student Willoughby Sharp. Credit: Serena Kirby

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Mr Parre said it was great to give nature a helping hand.

“The school has been working to revegetate this drain line that was overrun with weeds, and this activity has had a positive environment outcome, hands-on environment education and an outside classroom enthusing kids about biological sciences and earth care,” he said.

“The morning went really well.

“I laid out the plants, showed the right techniques and the kids did most of the work.”

National Tree Day, held on August 2, was co-founded in 1996 by Planet Ark and Olivia Newton-John.

It has now grown into Australia’s largest community tree-planting and nature protection event.

Pre-primary student Safi Dashlooti Watkins.
Camera IconPre-primary student Safi Dashlooti Watkins. Credit: Serena Kirby/Serena Kirby

Mr Parre spent many months propagating the native plants to supply them for the students to learn about the importance of helping the environment.

“It gives us an avenue here where we can make a difference in the world, especially now where we are at with climate change and COVID-19 — it can make us feel despondent in terms of where the world is heading,” he said.

“As a nation, one thing we can all do is put a plant in the ground.”

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