What is Tree Day?
Tree Day is an annual event, now in its sixteenth year, whereby one day in the primary school curriculum is exclusively devoted to the study and direct experience of trees. All 3,200 primary schools across Ireland are encouraged to put away their school books for the day and learn about trees and the environment in a fun, relaxed and stimulating setting.
Tree Day will be held this year in all primary schools on Thursday, 11 October 2012. The theme for this year’s Tree Day is “Dá mbeadh crainn in ann labhairt” or “If trees could talk”. With this theme, children, adults and teachers are invited to explore the fascinating stories, the people and events of local, national and world significance that a tree in their locality may have witnessed in its lifetime.
The aim of Tree Day is to create a learning experience that will enthuse and enlighten all children by making them aware of the magic, beauty and importance of trees and the wider environment. The event is organised by the Tree Council of Ireland with the support of the Department of Education and Skills and is sponsored by Tetra Pak, with the support of Avonmore School Milk.
On Tree Day many schools take the opportunity to participate in guided woodland walks at various locations throughout the country, enabling children to connect directly with nature in an enjoyable way. The walks are organised in cooperation with Tree Council member organisations including the National Parks & Wildlife Service, Coillte, the Heritage Service of the OPW, the Dublin local authorities and private owners.
To support Tree Day, the Tree Council has developed and continues to update a comprehensive resource pack on the subject of trees. This is available in all schools and is free to download on this site. It is complimentary to the science syllabus of the school curriculum and covers over 40 topics on the subject of trees. These include interesting and fun information about trees, the wildlife that live in our woodlands and an adventure element to stimulate project work and practical activities, both in the classroom and in the school grounds.
Each year a different native tree is highlighted on Tree Day and this year it is the turn of the crab apple tree. Throughout the day, children will learn about various types of trees, with a specific focus on the crab apple.
Again this year the Tree Council of Ireland is delighted to involve An Taisce’s Green-Schools programme in Tree Day. Green-Schools is an international environmental education programme and award scheme that promotes and acknowledges long-term, whole school action for the environment. Over 3,400 primary, secondary and special schools in Ireland are currently participating in the programme and 2,300 schools have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag for their outstanding work.
Getting involved in Tree Day is an excellent way to develop and augment your Green-Schools programme. For schools that are tackling the litter and waste theme why not collect some acorns or chestnuts on ‘Tree Day’ and use old containers or cartons and some of your own compost to plant them up. As the proverb says ‘great oaks from little acorns grow’.
Over the years, teachers have been enormously co-operative and enthusiastic about Tree Day. We look forward to another Tree Day with similar enthusiasm and commitment.
Lá na gCrann 2012 – 11 Deireadh Fómhair
Tree Day 2012 – October 11th
