National Tree Day is Australia's largest tree-planting and nature care event.

"National Tree Day started in 1996 and since then more than 2.8 million people have planted 20 million seedlings," Ian Foster, president of Ararat Landcare, said.

"'The Ararat Landcare Group is calling for volunteers and tree lovers to help plant trees on national Tree Day."

This year National Tree Day's theme, 'Get into Nature and Grow' focuses on encouraging people to green up both their indoor and outdoor environments. With Australians spending more and more time indoors, it is becoming increasingly important that we find ways to connect with nature in our everyday lives - at work, at home, in our local neighbourhoods, and at school.

As well as planting trees and grasses at new sites, participants can green their communities by planting vegetable and bush tucker gardens and visiting former National Tree Day sites to undertake weeding and maintenance.

Individuals are also able to organise personal activities at home with family and friends in backyards, on balconies, or even along neighbourhood nature strips or streets (council permitting).

The Ararat Landcare Group's National Tree Day activity will be beside the Cemetery Creek at Nichol Street from 2pm to 4pm.

Volunteers will be planting a selection of locally indigenous trees which will help protect the bank of the creek, increase biodiversity, provide habitat for native birds and beautify the site.

The tubestock plants will be planted in already prepared holes on public land on the south side of Nichol Street (off Grano Street).

Volunteers are advised to wear solid shoes or boots, warm clothing and garden gloves, and to bring a small trowel or the like to help planting.

"You might ask why do we plant trees?" Mr Foster said.

"There are so many reasons - trees clean the air, trees provide shade in the summer and cool towns and streets, and so trees conserve energy, trees provide oxygen, trees help prevent soil erosion, trees provide wood, trees provide habitat for our native animals and so much more."

For further information contact Keith Little on 5352 4160.