Townsville City Council is handing out more than 1,000 native plants to local schools for Schools Tree Day.
The plants are supplied from Council’s Wellington Street depot and will be given to 20 schools who have registered for the 28 July event.
Community Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability Committee chairperson Maurie Soars said it was great for Council to be able to grow the plants and supply them to the schools.
“Council has been steadily building the capacity of its nursery to be able to supply not only for parks and open spaces across Townsville, but also for events like this,” Cr Soars said.
“We are providing native Australian and Townsville plants which are well suited to our climate and conditions.
“They use less water and are more resilient to our dry tropics weather.
“They also have the added benefit of helping our region’s pollinators and endemic fauna to increase biodiversity.
Cr Soars said the schools would be presented with their plants at a special ceremony at Riverway.
“All Townsville schools have been invited to come along to the ceremony where they get their plants as well as a certificate to recognise their efforts in supporting National Tree Day,” he said.
“Schools who register will also get gardening kits, organic mulch and tree planting and maintenance information.
“We will also have a special guest appearance from Ranger Dan who will bring a few animals along to help them recognise the importance of maintaining animals’ natural habitats across Townsville.
“These kids are helping to create a lasting legacy for our city by helping to plant these trees and contributing to the local wildlife and habitats.”
For more information about Schools Tree Day in Townsville, visit the National Tree Day website.