National Schools Tree Day

Is generally observed on the last Sunday in July. Planet Ark established National Tree Day in 1996.

When I was growing up in the 1960s, the day was known as Arbor Day, and we celebrated by planting trees in our school.

National Tree Day has grown into Australia's largest community tree planting and nature care event.

The first documented Arbor Day was in a Spanish village called Mondonedo in 1594. The second documented Arbor Day was in 1805. It was organised by local priest who was convinced of the importance of trees for health, hygiene, decoration, nature, environment and customs. With the enthusiastic support of his village, he decided to plant trees and give it a festive theme. The planting began on Carnival Tuesday with the ringing of two church bells. After the mass, don Juan accompanied by the clergy, teachers and many neighbours went out and planted the first tree, a poplar, in an area now called the Valley of the Ejido. The celebrations continued throughout the day with dancing and feasting.

Chidlow student, Rhonda Tullock planting a Box Tree in 1949

War Veterans also on the tray of the truck in Chidlow on Dedication and Arbor Day 1949

Chidlow school children standing on the tray of a truck in a celebration of Arbor day in 1949