Brisbane will celebrate 133 years of shading our city by giving away thousands of free plants to schools this Arbor Day.
Traditionally celebrated on the second Tuesday in October, Arbor Day will see schools eligible to claim up to 50 free native plants, plus one extra plant for each year one student (up to 200 additional plants).
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the celebrations are well underway with 77 schools requesting over 7,000 plants to greenify their grounds this October.
“As Australia’s most biodiverse capital city, Brisbane is the perfect place for young students to learn about caring for our bushland and wildlife,” Cr Schrinner said.
“From shrubs to trees and ground covers, the native plants on offer will act as a future shade source for our communities, as well as habitat for local wildlife.
“We have already seen a fantastic uptake with 77 schools placing orders and schools like Gumdale State School and Pallara State School already requesting more than 200 plants each!
“This century long celebration is a great opportunity for students to learn more about conservation and make their mark on our clean and green city of the future.”
More than 21 native Australian species are available for schools to bolster their outdoor green spaces, including species such as bottlebrush, mat rush and lilly pilly.
Cr Schrinner said the Arbor Day fun can move from the playground to the classroom, with online curriculum resources also available via the Council website.
“Arbor Day is a great conversation starter about the environment, but there is so much more to be learnt,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Council’s website provides schools with great classroom reading suggestions, as well as video tips and tricks on how to correctly plant and care for their native plants, so they stay healthy for many years to come.”
Despite the official date for Arbor Day being 10 October 2023, plants orders can be placed by schools and claimed prior to 31 October.
School that miss out are also able to apply for their annual allocation of 50 free native plants as normal.
For more information, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au and search ‘Arbor Day’ or call Council on (07) 3403 8888.
