Wongarbon Public School students were some of thousands of young people across NSW who headed outside on Friday to green their playgrounds and connect with nature.
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The students were taking part in Planet Ark’s Schools Tree Day.
Across NSW about 90,000 students were expected to plant thousands of native trees and plants at nearly 1000 schools across the state.
National Tree Day Manager Debbie Agnew says that participating in Schools Tree Day, which has been running since 1996, is a fun, exciting way for students to have an authentic nature experience and benefit from learning outside.
“Planet Ark’s research shows that students who take part in outdoor learning programs develop key skills like emotional intelligence, grit or resilience and problem solving,” she said.
“They also perform better in reading, writing, maths and science, with 77 per cent of teachers reporting student improvement in standardised tests.
“Time spent in nature also reduces stress, and enhances concentration and creativity.”
This year’s theme – Be Inspired: It’s in Our Nature – highlights how nature ignites inspiration, creativity and purpose, as well as offering significant health and wellbeing benefits.
On Sunday it will be the turn of the broader community to connect with nature.
Dubbo Macquarie River Bushcare has invited people to come along to Troy Bridge Reserve for a family tree day.
There will be 500 native trees to plant (the holes will already be dug) and a barbecue lunch.
It will run from 9.30am to midday and parking is on the corner of the Newell Highway and Troy Bridge Road with access from Troy Bridge Road.