AUSTRALIANS across the country will be planting trees this Sunday as part of National Tree Day.

According to Planet Ark spokesperson Rebecca Gilling, National Tree Day is an opportunity for people to get involved in a fun and friendly community event which has long-lasting benefits for the entire community.

“There’s a sense of pride amongst the volunteers who enjoy improving their local environment and seeing the trees grow year upon year,” Ms Gilling said.

Since starting in 1996, National Tree Day has see more than 2.5 million volunteers plant 16 million native trees, shrubs and grasses.

The Canberra event will take place from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Sunday at Bullock Paddock Road, Uriarra Forest.

The planting area was formerly pine plantation that was burnt in the 2003 bushfires, and is considered an important part of the Canberra and Queanbeyan water catchment.

Volunteers are asked to bring a hat, sunscreen, long sleeves, long pants, gardening gloves, sturdy boots, mattock (if you have one) and a water bottle. A free barbecue and coffee will be provided for all volunteers.

To RSVP, email admin@act.greeningaustralia.org.au or phone 6253 3035.

[box]How to get there:

Drive along Uriarra Road to Uriarra Crossing, turn left after the Crossing and continue on Uriarra Road for 7km. Turn left into Bullock Paddock Road. Look out for the Greening Australia signs from Uriarra Crossing.

A bus will be provided to get to the planting site. The bus departs the City West bus terminal on Marcus Clarke St (between University Ave and Allsop St) at 8.30am, and will then pick up at 9am from the Stromlo Forest Park cycling area car park off Uriarra Road. The bus will return to Stromlo, then Civic by 2:30pm. [/box]