It's time once again to roll up your sleeves and prepare to get your hands dirty as Australia's biggest community tree planting events, National Tree Day and Schools Tree Day, are just days away.

Responsible for the planting of more than 16 million native trees and shrubs over the years, National Tree Day, supported by Toyota, is encouraging people to join forces with their local community to think about going 'green' and 'doing their bit' for the environment.

"This National Tree Day we're urging everyone to head out to their local parks and community areas to plant a tree or to take the time to care for a previous planting to help make a positive impact on their local environment," said Toyota Senior Executive Director, Sales and Marketing David Buttner.

"Planting a native tree on National Tree Day will not only help sustain the local environment, but will provide a cleaner and healthier environment for all generations. Last year, 280,000 volunteers planted more than 1.25 million native trees, shrubs and grasses and we hope to plant even more this year!" Buttner added.

Schools Tree Day is the largest single nature care activity in Australian schools. On Schools Tree Day, up to 250,000 Australian school children will take part and, as country music legend and former Australian of the Year Lee Kernaghan explains, it's a great time for kids to learn more about their environment.

"Schools Tree Day is a great chance for students to learn about the simple steps they can take to make a positive impact on the environment. Planting a tree is such a simple and fun way for kids to get involved and make a big difference," said Lee Kernaghan.

"I grew up out in the bush and everyone living and working in regional Australia knows how important trees are to the land. National and Schools Tree Day are all about individuals, communities and the country coming together to plant trees to make a big and positive impact for our great nation and future generations," said Kernaghan.

To find out more about National Tree Day please visit www.treeday.planetark.org or your local participating Toyota Dealership.

What: Planet Ark's National Tree Day and Schools Tree Day
When: Friday, 29th July, 2011 (Schools Tree Day)
Sunday, 31st July, 2011 (National Tree Day)
Where: Join thousands of people across the country at official tree planting and land care activities organised by schools, communities, councils and Toyota Dealers.

Event contact: To find out more about National Tree Day, please visit www.treeday.planetark.org or visit your local participating Toyota Dealership.

This article was first published on My Green Australia. My Green Australia is a resource of information about living green and healthier in Australia. We want to protect and cherish our country and preserve the natural beauty of Australia for many generations to come.