City supports Trillion Trees challenge

Published on 18 July 2018

The City of Swan has urged residents to get behind a global challenge to plant a trillion trees around the world.

Trillion Trees is a volunteer organisation which aims to combat deforestation through the sustainable planting of trees.

Formerly known as Men of the Trees, the organisation launched the 2018 Trillion Trees Challenge at Whiteman Park on Sunday.

City of Swan Mayor David Lucas joined Member for Belmont, Cassie Rowe, at the inaugural community planting event.

“Trillion Trees has been based in the City of Swan since 1986, with the dedicated team of volunteers and nursery manager growing more than 200,000 seedlings each year,” said Mayor Lucas.

“Through dedication and commitment to making a difference, Trillion Trees has planted more than 15 million native trees and plants and educated future generations about the importance of caring for the environment and sustainability.”

In 2015, researchers estimated that there were three trillion trees on earth, with around 15 billion cut down each year.

Since agriculture began about 12,000 years ago, the number of trees worldwide has almost halved.

In the City of Swan, more than 60 per cent of the land has been cleared, with 60 per cent of the remaining vegetation on private property.

Each year, the City invests $20,000 in the Trillion Trees project, buying about 10,000 plants which are allocated to residents for planting.

Mayor Lucas said the City needs the commitment of future generations to carry this work forward.

“The City encourages and assists residents in rural areas to plant local native species, which can be used to provide windbreaks and shelterbelts,” he said.

 For more information about Trillion Trees, visit the Trillion Trees website or click here for advice on planting in your area.