The students at Marri Grove Primary School in Byford were one of the many schools across the state to take part in National Tree Day.
The event aims to teach students to learn about the important role of nature and working together to care for and protect the environment.
Despite last week’s bout of rain and cold weather, Marri Grove students planted trees native to WA.
Coordinator Jodi Voute said students were encouraged to look after the environment.
“We taught the students about keeping the area beautiful,” she said.
“It was a great community effort.”
Ms Voute said the school had decided to combine NAIDOC Week with National Tree Day.
“NAIDOC Week happened when the students were on their break,” she said.
“We waited until they got back to school and combined both celebrations.
“We taught them about plants and trees with a focus on Indigenous and native plants.”
More than 2500 schools get involved in the event and it is Australia’s biggest community tree planting and nature care event.
National Tree Day manager Debbie Agnew said National Tree Day had been running since 1996 and was a fun and exciting way for students to have an authentic nature experience.
She said this years theme of ‘be inspired it’s our nature’ highlighted how nature ignites inspiration, creativity and purpose as well as offering significant health and well being benefits.
“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 students improvement in standardised tests.”
Ms Agnew said time spent in nature also reduced stress and enhanced concentration and creativity.
