Children and teachers will swap schoolbooks for seeds this Thursday to mark the 16th national Tree Day.
The 2012 event is organised by the Tree Council of Ireland with support from the Department of Education and Skills.
This year’s theme is ‘Dá mbeadh crainn in ann labhairt’ or ‘If trees could talk’ to bring attention to the amazing events and changes trees have stood witness to in their lifetimes.
Mary Keenan, executive Director of the Tree Council of Ireland, said she hoped the theme would help children to understand “that old trees have great stories to tell”.
She asked parents to help them learn the histories, whether they are of personal, local or even national significance.
“Our story is really interwoven with that of the tree,” said Ms Keenan, noting the special role that trees have in Ireland’s history, culture and mythology.
Tree Day’s history began as a series of modules geared towards students at all age levels.
While younger children are invited to learn the parts of the tree, the older years are taught poetry, more in-depth science and about the vital role of trees in industry. The modules, as well as colouring packs and other information, are available on the Tree Day website.
“If you can stimulate interest in children at a primary school level, they can hopefully carry it through into their adult lives,” said Ms Keenan.
Because environmental efforts and education should extend all year round, many schools choose to use their involvement in Tree Day as part of the An Taisce's Green-Schools programme.
The programme, which is known as the Eco-Schools programme internationally, aims to encourage and rewards schools that incorporate long-term, positive action for the environment.
Currently, 3,600 schools in Ireland are involved in the programme, with 2,573 having been awarded the Green Flag for their efforts in working through six themes, such as Litter and Waste, Energy and Water.
“I feel anything that’s action-based is always a positive,” said Cathy Baxter, Green-Schools manager. “When they’re actually involved themselves and physically doing it, they’ll always remember it.”
Children will also be given the opportunity to participate outside the classroom through organised woodland walks all over the country and the National Botanic Gardens will also host events to mark the day.
For more information on Tree Day visit: TreeDay.ie
The event is sponsored by Tetra Park and Avonmore School Milk.