Dig in for Tropical Tree Day
By Jennifer McMillan 17 November 2022
Tropical rainforests provide habitat for many rare plant and animal species, and they have more kinds of trees than any other forests. They cover less than 10% of the Earth’s surface but are home to more than half of the planet’s biodiversity.
Tropical Tree Day is a celebration of trees for all our friends who live in Australia’s northern states and a day to spread awareness of the important role tropical rainforests play. Tropical Tree Day is held on the first Sunday of December every year, as there is typically higher rainfall in the northern states to water the growing seedlings.
In 2022, we’re celebrating Tropical Tree Day on Sunday 4 December but there are groups planting before and after this date. We encourage everyone to get outside, connect with your community and plant trees for Tropical Tree Day. If planting trees isn’t an option, there are plenty of other ways to get involved.
Meet some of the groups digging in for Tropical Tree Day
Brett Krause has been working with his community to build habitat for endangered species in the Cairns region including the Southern Cassowary and Mahogany glider. For Tropical Tree Day this year, the team will be building a Miyawaki forest near Mission Beach. Find out more about the Brettacorp event here.
Cairns Regional Council, Pacific Toyota and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Cattana Wetlands opened in 2009 holding the first Tropical Tree Day in Cairns. From 2009 to 2014 Tropical Tree Day was a small event where 100 trees were planted at Cattana Wetlands. This year 1,200 trees will be planted to provide habitat for birds and pollinators. Find out more about the event here.
Daintree Life
In the far north of Australia’s sunshine state, Connie and Dave, the husband-and-wife team behind Daintree life, are on a mission to plant 500,000 trees by 2030. Since establishing Daintree Life in 2018, they have planted over 15,000 trees, primarily on old unused service roads, abandoned residential land and private properties. Their main objectives are to increase the quality of existing rainforest and connect remnant patches of old growth forest to create wildlife corridors. For Tropical Tree Day the team will be taking the first step towards restoring an old cattle grazed area of land to restore ecological function, which will expand and enhance habitat for many locally native species. Find out more about the event and register to volunteer here.
Other ways to get involved in Tropical Tree Day
If you’re planting trees at home you can pledge a tree to make them count towards the national tally.
Share social tiles from the National Tree Day toolkit or download a nature-based activity.
Slow down and connect with nature by going on your favourite bush walk.
Destress by listening to rainforest sounds.
Jen worked as a vet nurse while studying environmental science and completing her master's degree in Journalism. She loves bushwalking, storytelling, caring for baby animals, Australian birds and river red gums. Jen works on the National Tree Day campaign and Planet Ark's Seedling Bank.
